Yaesu Musen FT-857 Amateur Transceiver User Manual users manual

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Date Submitted	2002-12-02 00:00:00
Date Available	2002-11-26 00:00:00
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Document Title	users manual

FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
HF/VHF/UHF ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER
FT-857 Operating Manual
Introduction
The FT-857 is a rugged, innovative multiband, multimode portable transceiver for the amateur radio MF/HF/VHF/UHF
bands. Providing coverage of the 160-10 meter bands plus the 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm bands, the FT-857 includes operation
on the SSB, CW, AM, FM, and Digital modes, yielding the most comprehensive performance package available for field
operation.
Designed for use from (1) an external DC power source, (2) internal battery (requires optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery
pack), the FT-857 provides 100 watts of power output from a 13.8-Volt external power supply or AC operation. When
using the optional FNB-78 Ni-MH Battery Pack, the FT-857 automatically switches to 20 Watts (430 MHz:10W) of
output power.
The multi-function Liquid-Crystal Display includes attractive backlighting, which may be disabled for battery
conservation. The display includes bar-graph indication of power output, ALC voltage, SWR, and modulation level. Also
include are a number of operating status icons, as well as the function displays for the three operating function keys (A, B,
and C).
Among the advanced features of the FT-857 are many incorporated only in large base-station transceivers. These include
Dual VFOs; Split-Frequency operation; Digital Signal Processing (Bandpass Filtering, Noise Reduction, Notch, and
Microphone Equalizer); IF Shift; Clarifier (“R.I.T.”); IF Noise Blanker; AGC Fast/Slow/Auto/Off selection; RF Gain and
Squelch control; IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) and a receiver front-end Attenuator; AM Aircraft reception; AM and
FM Broadcast reception; U.S. Weather Band reception; VOX; Built-in Electronic Keyer; Adjustable CW Pitch;
Automatic FM Repeater Shift (ARS); Built-in CTCSS Encoder/Decoders; ARTS™ (Auto-Range Transponder System);
Smart Search™ Automatic Memory Loading System; Spectrum Scope; 200 Memories plus Home Channels and Bandlimiting Memories; Alpha-Numeric Labeling of Memories; Automatic Power-Off (APO) and Time-Out Timer (TOT)
functions; Computer Interface capability; and Cloning capability.
We urge you to read this manual in its entirety, so as to gain a full understanding of the amazing capability of the exciting
new FT-857 Transceiver.
Specifications
General
Frequency Range:
Receive:
0.1-56 MHz, 76-108 MHz, 118-164 MHz,
420-470 MHz
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Transmit:
160 - 6 Meters, 2 Meters,
70 Centimeters (Amateur bands only)
Emission Modes:
A1 (CW), A3 (AM), A3J (LSB/USB), F3 (FM),
F1 (9600 bps packet), F2 (1200 bps packet)
Synthesizer Steps (Min.):
10 Hz (CW/SSB), 100 Hz (AM/FM/WFM)
Antenna Impedance:
50 Ohms, Unbalanced (M)
Operating Temp. Range:
–10 °C to +60 °C
Frequency Stability:
±4 ppm from 1 min. to 60 min after power on. @25 °C: 1 ppm/hour
±0.5 ppm/1 hour @25 °C, after warmup (with optional TCXO-9)
Supply Voltage:
Normal: 13.8 VDC ±15 %, Negative Ground
FNB-78 (Ni-MH Battery Pack): 13.2 V (Option)
Current Consumption:
Squelched: 600 mA (Approx.)
Receive:
1A
Transmit:
Case Size (W x H x D):
22 A
200 x 80 x 262 mm
Weight (Approx.): 3.9 kg (w/o Ni-MH battery, antenna, Microphone)
Transmitter
RF Power Output (@13.8 V DC):
Modulation Types:
SSB/CW/FM
AM Carrier
160- 6 Meter:
100 W
25 W
2 Meter:
50 W
12.5 W
70 Centimeter:
20 W
5W
SSB: Balanced Modulator, AM: Early Stage (Low Level),
FM: Variable Reactance
FM Maximum Deviation:
±5 kHz (FM-N: ±2.5 kHz)
Spurious Radiation:
–50 dB (1.8-29.7 MHz)
–60 dB (50/144/430 MHz)
Carrier Suppression:
>40 dB
Opp. Sideband Suppression:
>50 dB
SSB Frequency Response:
400 Hz-2600 Hz (–6 dB)
Microphone Impedance:
200-10k Ohms (Nominal: 600 Ohms)
Receiver
Circuit Type:
Double-Conversion Superheterodyne (SSB/CW/AM/FM)
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Superheterodyne (WFM)
Intermediate Frequencies:
1st: 68.33 MHz (SSB/CW/AM/FM); 10.7 MHz (WFM)
2nd: 455 kHz
Sensitivity:
SSB/CW
AM
FM
100 kHz-1.8 MHz
–
32 uV
–
1.8 MHz-28 MHz
0.2 uV
2 uV
–
28 MHz-30 MHz
0.2 uV
2 uV
0.5 uV
50 MHz-54 MHz
0.125 uV
1 uV
0.2 uV
144/430 MHz
0.125 uV
–
0.2 uV
(SSB/CW/AM = 10 dB S/N, FM = 12 dB SINAD)
Squelch Sensitivity:
SSB/CW/AM
FM
100 kHz-1.8 MHz
–
–
1.8 MHz-28 MHz
2.5 uV
–
28 MHz-30 MHz
2.5 uV
0.32 uV
50 MHz-54 MHz
1 uV
0.16 uV
144/430 MHz
0.5 uV
0.16 uV
Image Rejection:
HF/50 MHz: 70 dB, 144/430 MHz: 60 dB
IF Rejection:
60 dB
Selectivity (–6/–60 dB):
SSB/CW: 2.2 kHz/4.5 kHz
AM: 6 kHz/20 kHz
FM: 15 kHz/30 kHz
FM-N: 9 kHz/25 kHz
SSB (optional YF-122S installed): 2.3 kHz/4.7 kHz (–66 dB)
CW (option YF-122C installed): 500 Hz/2.0 kHz
AF Output:
2.5 W (@4 Ohms, 10% THD or less)
AF Output Impedance:
4-16 Ohms
Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the amateur bands only.
Accessories & Options
Supplied Accessories
Hand Microphone MH-31A8J
DC Power Cord
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Operating Manual
Warranty Card
Available Options
FP-1030A
External AC Power Supply (25A)
FNB-78
Ni-MH Battery Pack (13.2 V, 4500 mAh)
PA-26B/C/U
Ni-MH Battery Charger
CD-24
Ni-MH Battery Charger Adapter
YF-122S Collins SSB Filter (2.3 kHz/4.7 kHz: –6 dB/–66 dB)
YF-122C Collins CW Filter (500 Hz/2 kHz: –6 dB/–60 dB)
TCXO-9
TCXO Unit (±0.5 ppm)
FC-30
External Automatic Antenna Tuner
ATAS-100
Active-Tuning Antenna System
ATAS-120
Active-Tuning Antenna System
ATBK-100
VHF/UHF Antenna Base/Counterpoise Kit
VL-1000
Solid-State Linear Amplifier
MD-200A8X
Desktop Microphone
MH-36E8J
DTMF Microphone
CT-62
CAT Interface Cable
CT-39A
Packet Cable
CT-58
BAND DATA Cable
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Installation
Power Connections
The FT-857 is designed use from (1) an external DC power source, (2) internal battery (requires optional FNB-78 Ni-MH
battery pack), or (3) AC power source (requires optional FP-30 Internal AC Power Supply).
External DC power source operation
The DC power connector for the FT-857 must only be connected to a DC source providing 13.8 Volts DC (±15%), and
capable of at least 22 Amperes of current. Always observe proper polarity when making DC connections:
The Red DC power lead connects to the Positive (+) DC terminal; and the Black DC power lead connects to the Negative
(–) DC terminal.
In mobile installations, noise pickup may be minimized by connecting the DC cable directly to your vehicle’s battery,
rather than to the ignition switch or “accessory” circuitry. Direct connection to the battery also provides the best voltage
stability.
Tips for Successful Mobile Installations:
ρ
Before connecting the DC cable to the battery, measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the engine
running fast enough to show a charge. If the voltage is above 15 Volts, the vehicle’s voltage regulator should be
adjusted to reduce the charging voltage to 14 Volts or lower.
ρ
Route the DC cable as far away from the ignition cables as possible.
ρ
If the DC cable is not long enough, use #12 AWG (minimum) stranded, insulated wire to extend it. Be certain to
solder the connections at the splice securely, and provide ample insulation for the soldered splice (heat shrink tubing
plus black electrical tape work well).
ρ
Check the battery terminal connections frequently to be sure they are tight and not corroded.
ρ
When operating with the vehicle turned off, or operating from a stand-alone car battery (in a camp site, etc.), be
mindful of the minimum operating voltage (11.73 Volts) for the FT-857. If the battery is not charged sufficiently to
maintain at least 11¾ Volts at the radio, erratic operation or shut-down may occur.
Caution
Permanent damage can result if improper supply voltage, or reverse-polarity voltage, is applied to the FT-857. The
Limited Warranty on this transceiver does not cover damage caused by application of AC voltage, reversed polarity DC,
or DC voltage outside the specified range of 13.8V ±15%. Never attempt to connect the FT-857 to a 24-Volt battery
system.
When replacing fuses, be certain to use a fuse of the proper rating. The FT-857 requires a 25A fast-blow fuse.
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Grounding
The provision of an effective ground system is important in any successful communications station. A good ground
system can contribute to station efficiency in a number of ways:
ρ
It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
ρ
It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver which may
cause interference to nearby home entertainment devices or laboratory test equipment.
ρ
It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver operation caused by RF feedback or improper current flow
through logic devices.
An effective earth ground system may take several forms; for a more complete discussion, see an appropriate RF
engineering text. The information presented below is intended only as a guideline.
Inspect the ground system – inside the station as well as outside – on a regular basis so as to ensure maximum
performance and safety.
Mobile Station Grounding
Although satisfactory grounding in most installations will be achieved via the DC cable’s negative lead and the antenna
system’s coaxial cable shield, it is often recommended that you provide a direct ground connection to the vehicle chassis
at the mounting location of the transceiver (installation using the MMB-** Mounting Bracket will accomplish this, if the
MMB-** itself is mounted to the vehicle’s chassis). Due to unexpected resonance which may naturally occur in any
location, improper communication system performance may result from insufficient grounding. These symptoms may
include:
ρ
RF feedback (resulting in distortion on your transmitted signal);
ρ
Unintended frequency change;
ρ
Blinking or blanking of the frequency display;
ρ
Noise pickup; and/or
ρ
Loss of memory.
Note that these conditions may occur in any communications installation. The FT-857 includes extensive filtering
designed to minimize the chance of such problems; however, random currents set up by insufficient RF grounding can
nullify such filtering. Bonding the rear panel Ground lug of the FT-857 transceiver to the vehicle or vessel’s ground
system should clear up any such difficulties.
Vertex Standard does not recommend the use of “on glass” mobile antennas unless the shield of the coaxial cable is
securely grounded near the feedpoint of the antenna. Such antennas frequently are responsible for the ground-related
difficulties described above.
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Base Station Earth Grounding
Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple
ground rods are used, they should be configured in a “V” configuration, and bonded together at the apex of the “V” which
is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable)
and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cables to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof the connections to ensure
many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided cable for the connections to the station ground bus
(described below).
Do not use gas line pipes in an attempt to provide a ground connection! To do so creates a serious risk of
explosion!!
Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm (1”) diameter should be used. An
alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to
the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as transceivers, power supplies,
and data communications devices should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.
Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the ground bus. This so-called
“Daisy Chain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawings
below for examples of proper and improper ground connections. If your coaxial cable does not connect directly to the
station ground bus, you may connect a ground cable to the Ground lug on the FT-857 rear panel.
Antenna Considerations
The antenna systems connected to your FT-857 transceiver are, of course, critically important in ensuring successful
communications. The FT-857 is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ω resistive impedance at the
desired operating frequency. While minor excursions from the 50 Ω specification are of no consequence, the power
amplifier’s protection circuitry will begin to reduce the power output of there is more than a 50% divergence from the
specified impedance (less than 33 Ω or greater than 75 Ω, corresponding to a Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) of 1.5:1).
Two antenna jacks are provided on the rear panel of the FT-857. The “HF/50 MHz ANT” jack is used for HF and 50 MHz,
while the “144/430 MHz ANT” jack is used for 144 MHz and 430 MHz.
Guidelines for successful base and mobile station installations are shown below.
Mobile Antenna Installations
Mobile antennas for the HF bands, with the possible exception of those designed for 28 MHz, display very high “Q” due
to the fact that they must be physically shortened, then resonated using a loading coil. Additional system bandwidth may
be realized using the Yaesu FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner, which will present a 50 Ω impedance to your transceiver on
the 1.8 ~ 50 MHz bands so long as the SWR on the coaxial line connected to the FC-30 is below 3:1.
On the VHF and UHF bands, coaxial line losses increase so rapidly in the presence of SWR that we recommend that all
impedance matching to 50 Ω be performed at the antenna feedpoint.
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Yaesu’s Active-Tuned Antenna System (ATAS-100/-120) is a unique HF/VHF/UHF mobile antenna system, which
provides automatic tuning when used with the FT-857. See page 39 for full details on the ATAS-100/-120.
For VHF/UHF weak-signal (CW/SSB) operation, remember that the antenna polarization standard for these modes is
horizontal, not vertical, so you must use a loop or otherwise horizontally-polarized antenna so as to avoid crosspolarization loss of signal strength (which can be 20 dB or more!). On HF, signals propagated via the ionosphere develop
mixed polarizations, so antenna selection may be made strictly on mechanical considerations; vertical antennas are almost
always utilized on HF for this reason.
Base Station Antenna Installations
When installing a “balanced” antenna such as a Yagi or dipole, remember that the FT-857 is designed for use with an
(unbalanced) coaxial feedline. Always use a balun or other balancing device so as to ensure proper antenna system
performance.
Use high-quality 50 Ω coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-857 transceiver. All efforts at providing an efficient
antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used. Losses in coaxial lines increase as the
frequency increases, so a coaxial line with 0.5 dB of loss at 7 MHz may have 6 dB of loss at 432 MHz (thereby
consuming 75% of your transceiver’s power output!). As a general rule, smaller-diameter coaxial cables tend to have
higher losses than larger-diameter cables, although the precise differences depend on the cable construction, materials,
and the quality of the connectors used with the cable. See the cable manufacturers・specifications for details.
For reference, the chart below shows approximate loss figures for typically- available coaxial cables frequently used in
HF installations.
Loss in dB per 30 m (100 feet) for Selected 50-ohm Coaxial Cables
Cable Type
Loss
1.8 MHz
28 MHz
432 MHz
RG-58A
0.55
2.6
>10
RG-58 Form
0.54
2.00
8.0
RG-8X
0.39
1.85
7.0
RG-8A, RG-213
0.27
1.25
5.9
RG-8 Form
0.22
0.88
3.7
Belden 9913
0.18
0.69
2.9
7/8” “Hardline”
<0.1
0.25
1.3
Loss figures are approximate; consult cable manufacturer’s catalogs for complete specifications.
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Always locate antennas such that they can never come in contact with outdoor power lines in the event of a catastrophic
support or power-pole structural failure. Ground your antennas’ support structure(s) adequately, so as to dissipate energy
absorbed during a lightning strike. Install appropriate lightning arrestors in the antenna coaxial cables (and rotator cables,
if rotary antennas are used).
In the event of an approaching electrical storm, disconnect all antenna lead-in, rotator cables, and power cables
completely from your station if the storm is not immediately in your area. Do not allow disconnected cables to touch the
case of your FT-857 transceiver or accessories, as lightning can easily jump from the cable to the circuitry of your
transceiver via the case, causing irreparable damage. If a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate area, do not
attempt to disconnect the cables, as you could be killed instantly if lightning should strike your antenna structure or a
nearby power line.
If a vertical antenna is utilized, be certain that humans and/or pets and farm animals are kept away both from the radiating
element (to prevent electrical shock and RF exposure danger) and the ground system (in the event of an electrical storm).
The buried radials of a ground-mounted vertical antenna can carry lethal voltages outward from the center of the antenna
in the event of a direct lightning strike.
RF Field Exposure
This transceiver is capable of power output in excess of 50 Watts, so customers in the United States may be required to
demonstrate compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations concerning maximum permissible
exposure to radio frequency energy. Compliance is based on the actual power output used, feedline loss, antenna type and
height, and other factors which can only be evaluated as a system.
Information regarding these regulations may be available from your Dealer, your local radio club, from the FCC directly
(press releases and other information can be found on the FCC’s site on the World Wide Web at ),
or from the American Radio Relay League, Inc. (225 Main St., Newington CT 06111 or ).
Although there is negligible radio frequency (RF) leakage from the FT-857 transceiver itself, its antenna system should be
located as far away from humans and animals as practicable, so as to avoid the possibility of shock due to accidental
contact with the antenna or excessive long-term exposure to RF energy. During mobile operation, do not transmit if
someone is standing adjacent to your antenna, and use the lowest power possible.
Never stand in front of an antenna (during testing or operation) when RF power is applied, especially in the case of 430
MHz directional arrays. The 20 Watt power output supplied by the FT-857, combined with the directivity of a beam
antenna, can cause immediate heating of human or animal tissues, and may cause other undesirable medical effects.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
If this transceiver is used with, or in the vicinity of, a computer or computer-driven accessories, you may need to
experiment with grounding and/or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) suppression devices (such as ferrite cores) to
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FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
minimize interference to your communications caused by energy from the computer. Computer-generated RFI is usually a
result of inadequate shielding of the computer’s cabinet or I/O and peripheral connections. While computer equipment
may “comply” with RF emission standards, this does not ensure that sensitive Amateur Radio receivers like the FT-857
will not experience interference from the device!
Be certain to use only shielded cables for TNC-to-Transceiver connections. You may need to install AC line filters on the
power cord(s) of the suspected equipment, and decoupling ferrite toroidal chokes may be required on interconnecting
patch/data cables. As a last resort, you can try installing additional shielding within the computer’s case, using appropriate
conductive mesh or conductive shielding tape. Especially check “RF holes” where plastic is used for cabinet front panels.
For further information, consult amateur radio reference guides and publications relating to RFI suppression techniques.
Heat and Ventilation
To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the cabinet of the FT-857. The
cooling system of the transceiver must be free to draw cool air in from the side of the transceiver and expel warm air from
the rear of the transceiver.
Do not install the transceiver on top of another heat-generating device (such as a linear amplifier), and do not place
equipment, books, or papers on top of the transceiver. Place the transceiver on a hard, flat, stable surface. Avoid heating
vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates.
Heat
Water & Moisture
Dust
Ventilation
Linear Amplifier Interfacing
The FT-857 provides the switching and drive-control lines required for easy interfacing to most all commonly-available
amplifiers sold today.
These include:
ρ
The Antenna Jacks (“HF/50MHz” and “144/430MHz”);
ρ
A T/R control line (open circuit on RX, closure to ground on TX); and
ρ
A negative-going ALC jack (control voltage range: 0V to –4V DC).
ρ
When interfacing to the VL-1000 Solid State 1 KW Linear Amplifier, the optional CT-58 Interface Cable provides for
easy interconnection (requires that the Menu Mode No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN] setting changes to “LINEAR”).
The rear-panel ACC jack is a miniature stereo type, which accepts ALC control voltage input on the tip connection, and
T/R control on the ring connection. The main shaft is used for the ground connection.
Typical amplifier interface circuits are shown below.
Note that some amplifiers, particularly VHF or UHF “brick” amplifiers, offer two methods of T/R switching: application
of +13V or a closure to ground.
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Be sure to configure your amplifier so that it switches via a closure to ground, as provided by your FT-857. Alternatively,
many of these amplifiers use “RF Sensing” to control their relays; if yours is not in this category, you may then use the
T/R control line from the ring of the ACC jack for control of your HF linear amplifier, if desired.
The T/R control line is a transistor “Open collector” circuit, capable of handling positive amplifier relay coil voltages of
up to +50V DC and current of up to 400 mA. If you plan on using multiple linear amplifiers for different bands, you must
provide external band-switching of the “Lin Tx” relay control line from the “ring” connection of the ACC jack.
Important Note!
Do not exceed the maximum voltage or current ratings for the ACC jack. This jack is not compatible with negative DC
voltages, nor AC voltages of any magnitude.
Most amplifier control relay systems require only low DC voltage/current switching capability (typically, +12V DC at 25
~ 75 mA), and the switching transistor in the FT-857 will easily accommodate such amplifiers.
CW Key/Keyer Connections
All commonly-available keyer paddles should work perfectly with the built-in Electronic Keyer. The wiring configuration
for the paddle is shown below.
For straight-key operation, only the tip and shaft connections are used.
Note:
Even when using a straight key, you must use a three-conductor (“stereo”) plug. If a two-conductor plug is used,
the key line will be constantly shorted to ground.
When using an external electronic keyer, be absolutely certain that it is configured for “positive” keying, not “negative”
or “grid block” keying. The “key-up” voltage of the FT-857 is +5V, and the “key-down” current is only about 1 mA.
For CW automated keying using a personal computer, with an external memory keyer providing for manual sending, it
usually is possible to connect the keyed lines together via a “Y” connector. Check with the documentation accompanying
your keyer and your contest/DX software for any cautions which need to be observed.
Receiver Accessories (Tape Recorder etc.)
Connection of a tape recorder or other such receiver accessory is easily accomplished by using the DATA jack’s Data Out
(1200 bps) terminal (Pin 5) and Ground (Pin 2). The audio output is fixed at 100 mV, with an impedance of 600 Ω.
Adjusting the Front Feet
The two front feet of the transceiver allow the transceiver to be tilted upward for better viewing. Simply fold both feet
forward to raise the front of the transceiver, and fold them back against the bottom case to lower the front of the FT-857.
Front Panel Control & Switches
1. Liquid Crystal Display
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The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides indication of the operating frequency and other aspects of
transceiver status.
2. FUNC Keys
These three keys select many of the most important operating features of the transceiver. When you press the [F] key,
then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, the current function of that key will appear above each of the [A], [B], and [C]
keys (along the bottom of the LCD). You may scroll the display through 17 rows of functions available for use via the
[A], [B], and [C] keys.
The available features are shown in page 14.
3. MIC Jack
Connect the supplied MH-31B8 Hand Microphone to this jack.
4. PHONES Jack
This 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts either monaural or stereo headphones with 2- or 3-contact plugs. When a plug is
inserted, the loudspeaker is disabled. The audio level varies according to the setting of the front panel’s AF knob.
5. POWER Switch
Press and hold in the POWER switch for one second to turn to the transceiver on or off.
6. [F] Key
Press this key momentarily to enable the changing of the function of the Multi Function keys ([A], [B],
and [C]) by the MEM/VFO CH knob.
Press and hold this key for one second to activate the “Menu” mode.
7. LOCK Key
Pressing this key locks the front panel keys so as to prevent accidental frequency change. The LOCK key itself,
though, will never be disabled.
8. MAIN DIAL
This is the main tuning dial for the transceiver. It is used both for frequency tuning as well as “Menu” setting in the
transceiver.
9. AF Knob
The (inner) VOL knob adjusts the receiver audio volume level presented to the internal or external
speaker. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.
10.
SQL/RF Knob
In the USA version, this (outer) SQL/RF knob adjusts the gain of the receiver’s RF and IF stages. Using Menu
Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN], this control may be changed to function as a Squelch control, which may be used to
silence background noise when no signal is present. In the other versions, its default setting is set to “Squelch.”
11.
CLAR/IF SHIFT Key
Pressing this key activates the Receiver Clarifier feature. When this feature is activated, the CLAR knob is used to
set a tuning offset of up to ±9.99 kHz. The transmitter’s frequency is not affected by the setting of the Clarifier.
Press and hold this key for one second to activate the IF Shift feature, which allows you to use the MEM/VFO CH
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knob to adjust the center frequency of the IF filter’s passband response.
12.
CLAR Knob
This knob tunes the clarifier offset frequency up to ±9.99 kHz, when the Receiver Clarifier feature is activated by
pressing the CLAR/IF SHIFT key.
13.
BAND(DWN)/BAND(UP) Key
Pressing either of these keys momentarily will cause the frequency to be moved up or down by one
frequency band. The selections available are:
.... 1.8 MHz √ 3.5 MHz √ 7.0 MHz √ 10 MHz √ 14 MHz √ 15 MHz √
√ 18 MHz √ 24 MHz √ 28 MHz √ 50 MHz √ 88 MHz √ 108 MHz √
√ 144 MHz √ 430 MHz √ 1.8 MHz ...
14. MEM/VFO CH Knob
This detented rotary switch is used for VFO frequency tuning, memory selection, and function
selection for the [A], [B], [C] keys of the transceiver.
15.
DSP Button
Pressing this button momentarily provides instant access to Multi Function Row “p” (MFp), which contains the
command key for the receiver’s Digital Signal Processing system. The available functions will appear as the
functions displayed above the [A], [B], and [C] keys, as described previously.
16.
HOME Key
Pressing this key momentarily recalls a favorite “Home” frequency memory.
17.
V/M Key
Pressing this key switches frequency control between the VFO and Memory Systems.
18.
MODE(<)/MODE(>) Key
Pressing either of these keys momentarily will change the operating mode. The selections available
are:
... USB √ LSB √ CW √ CWR √ AM √ DIG √ PKT √ USB ...
19.
DSP Indicator
This indicator glows green when the DSP feature is activated.
20.
TRANSMIT/BUSY Indicator
This indicator glows green when the squelch opens, and turns red during transmit.
21.
CW-T Indicator
This indicator is a visual tinning indicator for CW reception, which glows green in synchronization
with a signal tuned to the center of the IF passband during CW reception.
22.
BATT-A, BATT-B Indicator
These LEDs indicate the battery status for the optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery pack while internal
battery operation.
The LED glows green when the battery pack is waiting (switch to off by the A-B switch on the top
panel), and turns orange when the is the battery pack en the radio operate the corresponded battery
pack by the A-B switch on the top panel.
When the battery voltage is approaching the value which indicates depletion is near, the LED blinks
orange, indicating it is time to replace the batteries.
The [A], [B], and [C] keys select many of the most important operating features of the transceiver. When you press the [F]
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key, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, the current function of that key will appear above each of the [A], [B], and [C]
keys (along the bottom of the LCD). You may scroll the display through 17 rows of functions available for use via the [A],
[B], and [C] keys.
Multi Function Row “a” (MFa) [A/B, A=B, SPL]
[A] Key: A/B
Press the [A](A/B) key to switch between VFO-A and VFO-B on the display.
[B] Key: A=B
Press the [B](A=B) key to copy the contents of Main VFO to be copied into the Sub VFO, so that the two VFO’s contents
will be identical.
[C] Key: SPL
Press the [C](SPL) key to activate Split frequency operation between VFO-A and VFO-B.
Multi Function Row “b” (MFb) [MW, SKIP, TAG]
[A] Key: MW
Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second to transfer the contents of the VFO into a Memory register.
[B] Key: SKIP
Press the [B](SKIP) key to designate the current Memory channel to be “skipped” during scanning.
[C] Key: TAG
Press the [C](TAG) key to select the display type (Frequency or Alpha-numeric Tag) during Memory operation.
Multi Function Row “c” (MFc) [STO, RCL, PROC]
[A] Key: STO
Press the [A](STO) key to store the contents of the VFO into the QMB (Quick Memory Bank) register.
[B] Key: RCL
Press the [B](RCL) key to recall the QMB Memory.
[C] Key: PROC
Press the [C](PROC) key to activate the speech processor for SSB and AM transmission.
Press and hold in the [C](PROC) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-074 [PROC LEVEL] (for setting the
compression level of the AF Speech Processor).
Multi Function Row “d” (MFd) [RPT, REV, VOX]
[A] Key: RPT
Press the [A](RPT) key to select the direction of the uplink frequency shift (+, – or simplex) during FM repeater
operation.
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Press and hold in the [A](RPT) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-076 [RPT SHIFT] (for setting the shift
frequency offset).
[B] Key: REV
Press the [B](REV) key to reverse the transmit and receive frequencies while working through a repeater.
[C] Key: VOX
Press the [C](VOX) key enable the VOX (voice-operated transmitter switching system) in the SSB, AM, and FM modes.
Press and hold in the [C](VOX) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-088 [VOX GAIN] (for setting the VOX gain
level).
Multi Function Row “e” (MFe) [TON, -------, TDCH] ([ENC, DEC, TDCH])
[A] Key: TON/ENC
Press the [A](TON) key to activate CTCSS or DCS operation on FM.
When the Split Tone feature is activated via Menu Mode No-079 [SPLIT TONE], this key function changes to “ENC” for
activation of the CTCSS Encoder or DCS Encoder. Press the [A](ENC) key to activate the encoder.
Press and hold in the [A](TON/ENC) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ] (for selecting the
CTCSS tone frequency).
[B] Key: ------/DEC
Normally, this key does nothing.
When the Split Tone feature is activated via Menu Mode No-079 [SPLIT TONE], this key function changes to “DEC” to
engage the DCS or CTCSS Decoder. Press the [B](DEC) key to activate the decoder.
Press and hold in the [B](DEC) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-033 [DCS CODE] (for selecting the DCS
code).
[C] Key: TDCH
Press the [C](TDCH) key to initiate CTCSS Tone or DCS Search.
Multi Function Row “f” (MFf) [ARTS, SRCH, PMS]
[A] Key: ARTS
Press the [A](ARTS) key to initiate the Auto-Range Transponder mode.
Press and hold in the [A](ARTS) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-008 [ARTS BEEP] (for selecting the ARTS
“Beep” option).
[B] Key: SRCH
Press the [B](SRCH) key to activate the Smart Search feature.
Press the [B](SRCH) key to initiate Smart Search scanning.
[C] Key: PMS
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Press the [C](PMS) key to activate the Programmable Memory Scan feature.
Multi Function Row “g” (MFg) [SCN, PRI, DW]
[A] Key: SCN
Press the [A](SCN) key to initiate the Scanning (in the direction of higher frequencies).
[B] Key: PRI
Press the [B](PRI) key to activate the Priority Scan feature.
[C] Key: DW
Press the [C](DW) key to activate the Dual Watch feature.
Multi Function Row “h” (MFh) [SCOP, WID, STEP]
[A] Key: SCOP
Press the [A](SCOP) key to activate the Spectrum Scope Monitor feature.
Press and hold in the [A](SCOP) key for one second to initiate the Spectrum Scope.
[B] Key: WID
Press the [B](WID) key to select the visible bandwidth for the Spectrum Scope Monitor.
Press and hold in the [B](WID) key for one second to select the operating mode for the Spectrum Scope Monitor.
[C] Key: STEP
Press the [C](STEP) key to select the channel steps for Spectrum Scope Monitor.
Press and hold in the [C](STEP) key for one second to activate the MAX HOLD feature, which will display and hold the
peak signal strength level for each channel.
Multi Function Row “i” (MFi) [MTR, --------, DISP]
[A] Key: MTR
Pressing the [A](MTR) key repeatedly allows selection of the display function of the meter in the transmit mode.
PWR ∏ ALC ∏ SWR ∏ MOD ∏ PWR ∏
The selected function will appear above the [B] key.
Press and hold in the [A](MTR) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-062 [MTR PEAK HOLD] (for setting the
“peak-Hold” function of the meter).
[B] Key
Pressing the [B] key repeatedly allows selection of the display function of the meter in the transmit mode.
PWR ∏ MOD ∏ SWR ∏ ALC ∏ PWR ∏
[C] Key: DISP
Press the [C](DISP) key to switch the display between the Large Character and Small Character modes.
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Multi Function Row “j” (MFj) [SPOT, BK, KYR]
[A] Key: SPOT
Press the [A](SPOT) key to activate the CW spotting heterodyne oscillator.
[B] Key: BK
Press the [B](BK) key to disable the CW “Semi” break-in operation.
Press and hold in the [B](BK) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE] (for setting the CW
side tone volume level).
[C] Key: KYR
Press the [C](KYR) key to activate the built-in Electronic Keyer.
Press and hold in the [C](KYR) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED] (for setting the Keyer
speed).
Multi Function Row “k” (MFk) [TUNE, DOWN, UP]
[A] Key: TUNE
Press the [A](TUNE) key to activate the optional FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner or ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning
Antenna System.
Press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key for one second to initiate tuner or antenna retuning.
[B] Key: DOWN
Press and hold in the [B](DOWN) key to lower the ATAS-100/-120 antenna manually.
[C] Key: UP
Press and hold in the [C](UP) key to raise the ATAS-100/-120 antenna manually.
Multi Function Row “l” (MFl) [NB, AGC, --------]
[A] Key: NB
Press the [A](NB) key to activate the receiver’s IF Noise Blanker.
Press and hold in the [A](NB) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-063 [NB LEVEL] (for setting of the NB
level).
[B] Key: AGC
Press the [B](AGC) key to disable the receiver’s AGC system. Normally, the AGC should be left On.
[C] Key
Press the [C] key to select the recovery time (Slow, Fast, or Auto) for the receiver’s AGC system.
Multi Function Row “m” (MFm) [IPO, ATT, NAR]
[A] Key: IPO
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Press the [A](IPO) key to bypass the receiver preamplifier, thereby activating Intercept Point Optimization for improved
overload characteristics while operating on the HF and 50 MHz bands.
The IPO feature does not function on 144/430 MHz.
[B] Key: ATT
Press the [B](ATT) key to engage the receiver front-end attenuator, which will reduce all signals and noise by
approximately 10 dB.
The ATT feature does not function on 144/430 MHz.
[C] Key: NAR
Press the [C](NAR) key to select the low-deviation mode required for HF FM operation on 29 MHz.
Multi Function Row “n” (MFn) [CFIL,--------,--------]
[A] Key: CFIL
Press the [A](CFIL) key to select the 2.4 kHz ceramic IF filter.
[B] Key
Press the [B] key to select the optional IF filter which is located on the “FIL-1” (Optional Filter 1) slot on the Main Unit.
When an optional filter is not installed on the “FIL-1” slot, this key function is disabled, and its label is “N/A.”
[C] Key
Press the [C] key to select the optional IF filter which is located on the “FIL-2” (Optional Filter 2) slot on the Main Unit.
When an optional filter is not installed on the “FIL-2” slot, this key function is disabled, and its label is “N/A.”
Multi Function Row “o” (MFo) [PLY1, PLY2, PLY3]
[A] Key: PLY1
Press the [A](PLY1) key to send the CW message which is memorized in BEACON TEXT 1.
[B] Key: PLY2
Press the [B](PLY2) key to send the CW message which is memorized in Keyer BEACON TEXT 2.
[C] Key: PLY3
Press the [C](PLY3) key to send the CW message which is memorized in Keyer BEACON TEXT 3.
Multi Function Row “p” (MFp) [DNR, DNF, DBF]
[A] Key: DNR
Press the [A](DNR) key to activate the DSP Noise Reduction system.
Press and hold in the [A](DNR) key for one second recall Menu Mode No-049 [DSP NR LEVEL] (for setting the degree
of DSP Noise Reduction).
[B] Key: DNF
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Press the [B](DNF) key to activate the DSP’s Auto Notch Filter.
[C] Key: DBF
Press the [C](DBF) key to activate the DSP’s receiver Bandpass Filter.
In the SSB, AM, FM, and AFSK modes, press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-047
[DSP LPF CUTOFF] (for adjusting the high-frequency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass Filter).
In the CW mode, press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second to recall Menu Item No-045 [DSP BPF WIDTH] (for
setting the CW bandwidth).
Multi Function Row “q” (MFq) [MONI, QSPL, ATC]
[A] Key: MONI
Press the [A](MONI) key to disable the Noise Squelch.
You may program the configuration of this key by the Menu Mode No-065 [PG A].
[B] Key: QSPL
Press the [B](QSPL) key to change the Sub VFO frequency (Main VFO frequency + 5 kHz) and automatically engage the
“split” feature.
You may program the configuration of this key by the Menu Mode No-066 [PG B].
[C] Key: ATC
Press the [C](ATC) key to activate a 1750-Hz burst tone for 2 seconds when pressing the PTT switch while the channel is
clear.
You may program the configuration of this key by the Menu Mode No-067 [PG C].
Rear Panel Connectors
1. INPUT Jack
This is the DC power supply connection for the transceiver, used when operating the transceiver with
an external power supply. Use the supplied DC cable to connect this jack to the car battery or DC
power supply, which must be capable of supplying at least 22A @ 13.8 VDC. For base station operation,
the optional FP-30 External AC power supply may be attached to the bottom of the transceiver and
connect the output pigtail of the FP-30 to this jack.
2. GND Terminal
For best performance and safety, this Ground lug may be connected to a good earth ground using a
short, heavy, braided cable.
3. CAT/LINEAR Jack
This 8-pin mini-DIN jack is used for connection to the FC-30 External Automatic Antenna Tuner or
ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System. It is also used for interfacing to a personal computer
for control of the transceiver using the CAT system, and for interconnection to the VL-1000 Linear
Amplifier.
4. DATA Jack
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This 6-pin, mini-DIN jack accepts AFSK input from a Terminal Node Controller (TNC); it also
provides fixed-level Receiver Audio Output, Push-To-Talk (PTT), Squelch Status, and ground lines.
5. ACC Jack
This 3.5-mm 3-pin jack accepts external ALC (Automatic Level Control) voltage from a linear
amplifier on the tip connection, and provides TX/RX control to a linear amplifier (closure to ground on
transmit) on the ring connection. The main shaft is the ground return.
6. KEY Jack
This 3.5-mm, 3-pin jack is used for connection to a CW keyer paddle or a straight key.
7. EXT SPKR Jack
This 3.5-mm, 2-pin jack provides variable audio output for an external speaker. The audio output impedance at this
jack is 4 Ω ~ 16 Ω and the level varies according to the setting of the front panel’s AF control.
8. 144/430 MHz Antenna Jack
Connect your 144 and/or 430 MHz antenna’s 50 Ω coaxial cable to this M-type (“SO-239”) connector.
9. HF/50 MHz Antenna Jack
Connect your HF and/or 50 MHz antenna’s 50 Ω coaxial cable to this M-type (“SO-239”) connector.
Top & Bottom Panel Connectors
Top Panel Switch
Bottom Panel Connector
A-B Switch
Selects the battery pack to be used, when you have installed two optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery packs into the FT-857.
METER Jack
This 3.5-mm 2-pin jack is used for connection to an analog meter (not produced by Vertex Standard).
Please refer to the MENU No-060 and No-061.
Operation
Hi! I’m R.F. Radio, and I’m here to guide you through the fine points of the setup and use of your new FT-857. I know
you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encourage you to read the “Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as
possible, so you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new rig. Now. . .let’s get operating!
Turning the Transceiver On and Off
ρ
To turn the transceiver on, press and hold in the POWER switch for one second.
ρ
To turn the transceiver off, again press and hold in the POWER switch for one second.
When you are operating the FT-857 with the optional FP-30 External power supply, always turn on the MAIN switch on
the FP-30 before turning on the POWER switch on the FT-857. When shutting down, please turn off the POWER switch
on the FT-857 before turning off the MAIN switch on the FP-30.
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Operating Band Selection
This transceiver covers an incredibly wide frequency range, over which a number of different operating modes are used.
Therefore, this transceiver’s frequency coverage has been divided into different operating bands, each of with has its own
pre-set frequency steps and operating modes. You can change the channel steps and operating mode once you get started,
of course, per the next section.
To change the frequency band, press either the BAND(DWN) or BAND(UP) key to move to the next lower or higher
operating band, respectively.
VFOa and VFOb are independent VFOs, so they may be set to different bands. See the “Stacked VFO System” discussion
on page 22 for details.
Menu Quick Start
Many aspects of this transceiver’s configuration may be customized using the convenient “Menu” system, which allow
you to configure many “set and forget” settings just the way you want to. A full discussion of the Menu system begins on
page 52; for now, here is a brief discussion on how to change Menu settings:
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall the Menu Item to be changed (for example, Menu Mode No-001 [EXT
MENU], which Enables or Disables the “Extended Menu” Mode).
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this feature (in this example, the default setting is “OFF (Disabled),” so rotate the DIAL
knob to set this feature to “ON” (Enabled).
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
If you have momentarily pressed the [F] key to enable the changing of the function of the Multi Function keys ([A], [B],
and [C]) by the MEM/VFO CH knob.
Mode Selection
Press either the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key to move among the eight settings for the operating modes, respectively.
where “CWR” is “CW-Reverse,” using the opposite sideband from the “default” BFO injection sideband (in most cases,
the default injection sideband is on the “USB” side); “DIG” is an AFSK-based Digital mode, set up per Menu Mode No038 [DIG MODE]; and “PKT” represents either 1200 or 9600 bps FM packet.
You can set VFOa and VFOb to different modes in the same band, allowing you to have a “Phone” VFO and a “CW”
VFO, for example.
Adjusting the Audio Volume Level
Rotate the AF knob to set a comfortable listening level.
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When operating in the “DIG” or “PKT” modes, you may set the AF knob to any comfortable setting, or even all the way
off, because the output from the DATA jack is a fixed-level audio signal.
Start with the AF knob set fully counter-clockwise, especially when using FM (the background noise on FM can be
surprisingly loud)!
Adjusting the RF Gain and Squelch
The SQL/RF Gain control is configured differently, depending on the country to which the FT-857 has been exported. In
the U.S. version, the default function of this control is “RF Gain.” The configuration of the SQL/RF Gain control is set via
Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN]; see page 59 for details.
If your transceiver is configured for “RF Gain” use, rotating this control fully clockwise in the SSB/CW/Digital modes
will provide best sensitivity. To reduce the receiver’s RF Gain somewhat, rotate this control counter-clockwise slightly.
You will observe an increasing number of bars on the S-meter as you rotate the RF Gain control counter-clockwise; this
indicates increasing AGC voltage, which is causing the front-end gain to be reduced. In the FM and Packet modes, this
control will automatically be set to “Squelch,” even though the setting of Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN] is “RF
Gain.” If this control is configured for “SQL” operation, the FT-857’s RF Gain will be set for maximum sensitivity in all
modes, and the SQL/RF Gain control will function solely as a Squelch control. In this case, rotate the SQL/RF Gain
control to the point where the background noise is just silenced; this will provide the best sensitivity to weak signals,
while keeping the receiver quiet when no signal is received. The LED just above the Main Dial will glow Green when the
squelch is opened by an incoming signal or noise.
Battery consumption is significantly reduced if the receiver is squelched, as the audio amplifier stage is shut off when the
receiver is muted.
Setting the Operating Frequency
1. In the “SSB/CW/DIG” modes, rotate the DIAL knob to set the frequency. Clockwise rotation of the DIAL increases
the operating frequency.
2. In the “AM/FM/PKT” modes, rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to set the frequency. Clockwise rotation of the
MEM/VFO CH increases the operating frequency.
3. You may also use the MEM/VFO CH knob to adjust the operating frequency in the “SSB/CW/DIG” modes. The
MEM/VFO CH knob provides faster tuning, ideal for making quick changes in frequency when you want to move
across the band in a hurry. You can then use the DIAL knob to make fine frequency adjustments.
The synthesizer steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob may be adjusted independently by mode. Use Menu Mode No-006
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[AM STEP] for AM, No-052 [FM STEP] for FM, and No-082 [SSB STEP] for SSB/CW/Digital. See pages 54, 57, and 59
for details.
If you press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, you can now change the
operating frequency in 1 MHz steps, allowing very quick frequency excursions. This can be particularly helpful on the
VHF and UHF bands.
In step 2 above, it was mentioned that tuning in the “AM/FM/PKT” modes is accomplished using the MEM/VFO CH
knob. By default, the DIAL is disabled in these modes; if you wish to enable the DIAL in these modes, use Menu Mode
No-004 [AM&FM DIAL]; see page 54.
The main DIAL synthesizer’s tuning rate (the number of steps per rotation of the DIAL) can be adjusted using Menu
Mode No-035 [DIAL STEP]. See page 56 for details.
Stacked VFO System
Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B,
SPL] appears on the display.
Now press the [A](A/B) key to toggle between the “A” and “B” VFOs. There are two such VFOs provided on each
Amateur band, so you may set VFO-A to the CW sub-band, and VFO-B to the SSB sub-band, if you like. The operating
mode will be preserved, along with the frequency information, on each VFO.
When changing bands on either the “A” or “B” VFO, the two VFOs do not change bands together. This facilitates splitband operation, such as on FM satellites.
Receiver Accessories
Locking Front Panel Controls
The front panel LOCK button allows you to disable the DIAL and/or the front panel controls.
In the transceiver’s default configuration, pressing the LOCK button disables just the DIAL, while the other keys and
switches are unaffected.
To lock out the remainder of the controls and the MEM/VFO CH knob, use Menu Mode No-054 [LOCK MODE];
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob so as to recall No-054 [LOCK MODE].
3. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired configuration:
DIAL:
Locks DIAL knob only.
FREQ:
Locks front panel keys and knobs related to frequency control (such as BAND(DWN) and BAND(UP)
key, [A](A/B) key., etc.)
PANEL:
Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and LOCK keys)
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ALL:
Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and LOCK keys) and microphone keys.
4. When you have made your selection, Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new
setting and exit to normal operation.
When the controls are locked out, press the LOCK button once more to release them to normal operation.
IF SHIFT
The receiver’s IF SHIFT feature is an effective interference-reduction tool, which allows you to shift the passband
response higher or lower without changing the pitch of the incoming signal.
1. Press and hold in the CLAR/IF SHIFT button for one second to activate the IF SHIFT feature. An icon, such as “”,
“S” (slightly shifted to the upper side), “SS” (more shifted to the upper side), “T”(slightly shifted to the lower
side),” or “TT” (more shifted to the lower side)” icon will appear at the right of the frequency display to indicate the
IF SHIFT’s current position.
2. Rotate the CLAR knob, as needed, to reduce or eliminate the interference.
3. To turn the IF SHIFT feature off, again press and hold in the CLAR/IF SHIFT button for one second. The last setting
of the IF SHIFT control will be retained until you change it again.
If you wish to make a more permanent shift in the receiver’s IF passband, use Menu Mode No-015 [CAR LSB R] (for
LSB mode) or No-017 [CAR USB R] (for USB mode). This allows you to set up a higher or lower listening pitch, if you
prefer such as compared to the default passband response. See page 55.
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
The receiver recovery time constant of the AGC system may be modified to match your operating needs.
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “l” [NB,
AGC, AUTO] appears on the display.
2. Press the [C] key to toggle the AGC recovery time constant among the following selections:
AUTO ∏ FAST ∏ SLOW ∏ AUTO ∏
where “AUTO” represents “FAST” on CW and DIG (AFSK), and “SLOW” on the voice modes.
If you disable the AGC by pressing the [B](AGC) key (to make the parentheses disappear), the S-meter (which monitors
AGC voltage) will cease to function. Depending on the setting of the RF Gain control, incoming signals will probably be
distorted if the AGC is turned off.
Noise Blanker
The IF Noise Blanker may be useful in reducing or eliminating some types of impulse noise, especially noise generated
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by automotive ignition systems.
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “l” [NB,
AGC, OFF] appears on the display.
2. Press the [A](NB) key to activate the Noise Blanker. Parentheses will appear on both sides of the “NB” selection,
indicating that the Noise Blanker is now on.
3. To adjust the blanking level, press and hold in the [A](NB) key for one second. This instantly activates Menu Mode
No-063 [NB LEVEL], which allows adjustment of Noise Blanking Level. Rotate the DIAL knob to set a higher or
lower blanking level (on a scale of 0 to 100). When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new
setting and return to normal operation.
4. Press the [A](NB) key again to turn the Noise Blanker off.
IPO (Intercept Point Optimization)
The IPO feature bypasses the receiver RF preamplifier, thereby eliminating the preamp’s gain. This feature is not
available on the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands.
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “m” [IPO,
ATT, NAR] appears on the display.
2. Press the [A](IPO) key to bypass the receiver input preamplifier. Parentheses will appear on both sides of the “IPO”
selection, and the “IPO” icon will appear on the display. indicating that the preamp is now disengaged from the
receiver circuit.
3. Press the [A](IPO) key once more to re-activate the preamp.
On the bands below 14 MHz, the input preamplifier is rarely necessary, and activation of the IPO feature will provide
substantial protection against intermodulation and other problems associated with strong signal input to the receiver. Rule
of thumb: so long as the S-meter is moving on background noise, additional front-end gain is not necessary.
ATT (Front End Attenuator)
The Attenuator will reduce all signals (and noise) by 10 dB, and it may be used to make reception more pleasant under
extremely noisy conditions. This feature is not available on the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands.
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “m” [IPO,
ATT, NAR] appears on the display.
2. Press the [B](ATT) key to activate the Attenuator. Parentheses will appear on both sides of the “ATT” selection, and
the “ATT” icon will appear on the display.
3. Press the [B](ATT) key once more to switch the Attenuator out of the receiver front end circuit. Signals will again be
received at a level 10 dB louder than was the case when the Attenuator was engaged.
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DSP Bandpass Filter
In the SSB mode, the receiver’s selectivity may be enhanced via the DSP Bandpass Filter.
1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly activates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR, DNF, DBF].
2. Press the [C](DBF) key to activate the DSP Bandpass Filter. Parentheses will appear on both sides of the “DBF”
selection, and the “DSP” will appear at the center top on the display. You will notice a decrease in both background
noise and interference, if any is present.
3. The bandwidth of the DSP filter may be modified, to customize the bandwidth to your operating needs. To adjust the
Low-Cut and High-Cut characteristics of the DSP Bandpass Filter:
・ Press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second. This instantly activates Menu Mode No-047 [DSP LPF
CUTOFF], which allows adjustment of the High-Cut (Low-Pass) filter.
・ Turn the DIAL, as desired, to adjust the high-frequency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass Filter.
・ Now rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click counter-clockwise to select Menu Mode No-047 [DSP HPF
CUTOFF], which allows adjustment of the Low-Cut (High-Pass) filter.
・ Turn the DIAL, as desired, to adjust the low-frequency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass Filter.
・ When done, press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new setting(s) and return to normal operation.
4. Press the [C](DBF) key once more to disable the DSP Bandpass Filter.
DSP CW Peaking Filter
In the CW mode, pressing the [C](DBF) key in Multi Function Row “p” [DNR, DNF, DBF] activates a narrow-bandwidth
peaking filter, which may be ideal for use under very crowded conditions. The DSP CW Peaking Filter also is especially
helpful under VHF/UHF weak-signal situations.
The center frequency of the DSP CW Peaking Filter is automatically aligned to be centered on the response you have
selected via the Menu Mode in item No-027 [CW PITCH]. See page 55 for details.
To change the bandwidth of the DSP CW Peaking Filter:
1. Press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second on the CW mode. This instantly activates Menu
Mode No-045 [DSP BPF WIDTH], which allows selection of the bandwidth of the DSP CW Peaking
Filter.
2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired bandwidth. The available values are 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz (default value:
240 Hz).
3. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and return to
normal operation.
DSP Noise Reduction (NR)
The Noise Reduction feature of the DSP system may be used to enhance signal-to-noise ratio on weak signals.
1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly activates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR, DNF, DBF].
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2. Press the [A](DNR) key to activate the DSP Noise Reduction feature. “Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of
the “DNR” indication, and the “DSP” will appear at the center top on the display.
3. Now press and hold in the [A](DNR) key for one second. This instantly activates Menu Mode No-049 [DSP NR
LEVEL], which allows adjustment of the DSP Noise Reduction level.
4. Rotate the DIAL to find the point where best signal-to-noise ratio is obtained under the current noise conditions.
5. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
6. To turn off the DSP Noise Reduction feature, press the [A](DNR) key again.
If noise is present at a level which causes indication on the S-meter, the performance of the Noise Reduction filter may be
enhanced by rotating the SQL/RF (RF Gain) control in a counter-clockwise direction so as to set the (fixed) S-meter
reading at the same level as the noise peaks. This adjustment raises the AGC threshold of the receiver.
DSP Notch Filter
The DSP system’s Notch Filter may be helpful in removing one or more offending carrier or heterodyne signals from the
audio passband.
1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly activates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR, DNF, DBF].
2. Press the [B](DNF) key to activate the Notch Filter. “Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “DNF”
indication, and the “DSP” will appear at the center top on the display. You will notice that the audio level of the
carrier signal is now being reduced.
3. Press the [B](DNF) key once more to turn the Notch Filter off.
Do not activate this filter in the CW mode, as incoming CW signals will be notched out of the audio passband!
AM/FM Tuning Dial Operation
In the AM and FM modes, the DIAL knob is locked out (via the setting of Menu Mode No-004 [AM&FM DIAL]) so as to
allow “channelized” tuning on these modes. To adjust the operating frequency, simply rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob.
If you wish to enable the DIAL for tuning in the AM and FM modes, change the setting of Menu Mode No-004 [AM&FM
DIAL]. See page 54 for details.
The “channelized” mode of tuning on AM and FM automatically rounds off the frequency to the next “logical” step when
you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one “click” in either direction. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to preset
the frequency to an “even” channel.
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Automatic Power-Off Feature
The APO feature helps conserve battery life by automatically turning the transceiver off after a user-defined period of
time within which there has been no dial or key activity. The available selections for the time before power-off are 1 ~ 6
hours, as well as “APO Off.” The default condition for the APO is OFF, and here is the procedure for activating it:
1. Press and hold the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-007 [APO TIME].
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired time period after which the radio will automatically shut down.
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
Once you have programmed a time interval, the APO countdown timer will start whenever some front panel action
(tuning, transmission, etc.) is completed.
When the APO is activated, the “APO” icon will appear at the center top on the LCD. If there is no action by you within
the time interval programmed, the microprocessor will shut down the radio automatically.
Just press and hold in the POWER switch for one second to turn the transceiver back on after an APO shutdown, as usual.
The APO feature will be disabled while using the Beacon or ARTS features, even if the APO feature is set to “ON.”
Transmitter Operation
SSB/AM Transmission
Basic Setup/Operation
1. Press the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key so as to select either SSB (LSB/USB) or the AM mode. In the SSB mode, if
you are operating on the 7 MHz or lower bands, select the LSB mode. If you are operating on the 14 MHz or higher
bands, select the USB mode.
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “i” [MTR,
PWR, DISP] appears on the display.
3. Now press the [A](MTR) or [B] key to select the “ALC” meter function (“ALC” will appear above the [B] key). You
may need to press the [A] or [B] key multiple times, as you will be toggling through several selections.
4. Press the microphone’s PTT switch, and speak into the microphone in a normal voice level while watching the meter.
The ideal audio input level to the transmitter from the microphone will cause a few “segments” of indication on the
ALC meter. Release the PTT switch to return to receive mode.
5. If the ALC meter is too high, or too low, you may need to reset the Microphone Gain:
・ Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
・ Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-081 [SSB MIC GAIN] (on SSB) or No-005 [AM MIC
GAIN] (on AM).
・ Close the PTT switch, and while speaking into the microphone rotate the DIAL until the proper ALC indication is
achieved on voice peaks.
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・ When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting for the Microphone Gain.
1) The AM carrier level is preset to 25 Watts during alignment at the factory, and should not require
further adjustment. It is important to remember that AM transmission requires that power must be
distributed among the carrier and voice sidebands; therefore, if excessive carrier power is used, there
will be insufficient power available for the information-carrying voice sidebands.
2) The [TONE] switch on the back of the MH-31A8J microphone provides adjustment of the microphone’s frequency
response. Setting this switch to the “2” position will roll off some of the bass response, resulting in improved “talk
power” in many instances. The “1” position is primarily used in countries like Japan, where vowel sounds are of
critical importance in conveying information; in Western languages, consonant sounds (which are rich in highfrequency components) are frequently more important.
VOX Operation
The VOX system provides automatic transmit/receive switching based on voice input to the microphone. With the VOX
system enabled, you do not need to press the PTT switch in order to transmit.
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “d” [RPT,
REV, VOX] appears on the display.
2. Press the [C](VOX) key to activate the VOX circuitry. “Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “VOX”
indication, and the “VOX” icon will appear on the display.
3. Without pressing the PTT switch, speak into the microphone in a normal voice level. When you start speaking, the
transmitter should be activated automatically. When you finish speaking, the transceiver should return to the receive
mode (after a short delay).
4. To cancel VOX and return to PTT operation, again press the [C](VOX) key. The parentheses and “VOX” icon will
disappear, signifying that the VOX system has been turned off.
5. The VOX Gain may be adjusted, so as to prevent accidental transmitter activation in a noisy environment. To adjust
the VOX Gain:
・ While still in Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX], press and hold in the [C](VOX) key for one second.
This is a “hot key” feature which will instantly recall Menu Mode No-088 [VOX GAIN].
・ While speaking into the microphone, rotate the DIAL to the point where the transmitter is quickly activated by
your voice, without causing background noise to activate the transmitter.
・When you have selected the optimum setting, press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new settings and
return to normal operation.
6. The “Hang-Time” of the VOX system (the transmit-receive delay after the cessation of speech) may also be adjusted
via the Menu. The default delay is one second. To set a different delay time:
・Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.
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・Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-087 [VOX DELAY].
・Rotate the DIAL while saying a brief syllable like “Ah” and listening to the hang time, so as to set the desired
delay.
・hen your adjustments are complete, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and return
to normal operation.
The delay time for return to the receive mode is set independently on CW and voice modes; for CW, use Menu Mode No024 [CW DELAY] (see next chapter).
AF Speech Processor Operation
The AF Speech Processor increases your average power output while operating on SSB and AM modes.
1. Press the [F] key, as necessary, to recall Multi Function Row “c” [STO, RCL, PROC].
2. Press the [C](PROC) key to activate the AF Speech Processor. “Parentheses” will appear on both sides of the “PROC”
indication.
3. Now press the PTT key (unless you have VOX enabled), and speak into the microphone in a normal voice level, as
usual.
4. To deactivate the AF Speech Processor, again press the [C](PROC) key.
5. The Compression Level may be adjusted via the Menu, as follows:
・ While still in Operating Function “c” [STO, RCL, PROC], press and hold in the [C](PROC) key for one second.
This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-074 [PROC LEVEL].
・ Rotate the DIAL to set a new level of Compression (the default value is “50”).
・ When you have made your selection, press and hold the [F] key for one second to save your new setting and
return to normal operation.
・ Make some on-the-air checks, or use a monitor receiver in your station, to ensure that good voice quality has been
obtained via your adjustment.
Excessive advancement of the Compression Level may lead to distortion. Each operator’s voice pattern is different, so try
several settings to find the one which is best for your voice.
DSP Microphone Equalizer
In the SSB, AM, and FM transmission modes, you may use the DSP system to change the frequency response of the audio
stage. This will allow you to roll off excessive high- and/or low-frequency components of your voice’s audio
characteristics.
To set up the DSP Microphone Equalizer feature:
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1. Press and hold in the [DSP] key for one second. This instantly activates Menu Mode No-048 [DSP MIC EQ].
2. Rotate the DIAL to select one of the following equalization choices:
OFF:
Microphone Equalization Off
LPF:
High Cut (lower frequencies are emphasized)
HPF:
Low Cut (higher frequencies are emphasized)
BOTH:
High/Low Cut (mid-range frequencies are emphasized)
3. When you have made your selection, Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.
CW Transmission
Operation using Straight Key/External Keying Device
When using a straight key, an external electronic keyer, or a computer-generated keying device, please follow the
instructions in this section.
1. Insert your key’s (three-conductor) plug into the rear-panel KEY jack.
2. Press the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key, as needed, to select one of the CW modes (CW/CWR).
The “CW” mode utilizes USB-side carrier injection, while the CWR (Reverse) mode utilizes LSB-side injection.
3. When you close the key (or activate your computer-generated keying interface by whatever means), the transmitter
will automatically be engaged. When you have finished sending, the receiver will return, after a brief delay (see next
section).
4. The CW hang time can be adjusted using the Menu Mode. To adjust the CW hang time:
・ Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
・ Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to Menu Mode No-024 [CW DELAY].
・ Rotate the DIAL to select a longer or shorter delay time (default: 250 ms). If the delay selection is set to “FULL,”
the transceiver will operate in the full break-in mode (allowing you to hear between the characters that are being
sent).
・ When you have set the desired delay, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit
to normal operation.
5. To practice your CW sending (without transmitting), press the [B](BK) key to make the “Parentheses” disappear.
Now, pressing the key will cause the CW sidetone to be heard, but your radio will not be transmitting a signal on the
air.
6. You can adjust the CW sidetone volume level via Menu Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE]. To adjust the CW sidetone
volume level:
・ While still in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR], press and hold in the [B](BK) key for one second. This is
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a “hot key” feature which will instantly recall Menu Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE]
・ Rotate the DIAL to select a new level; on the arbitrary scale of “0” ~ “100,” the default value is “50.”
・ When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
7. You also can adjust the CW sidetone pitch using Menu Mode No-027 [CW PITCH]. This adjustment
also controls the BFO offset (actual pitch of your transmitted signal relative to your current receive
frequency). To adjust the CW sidetone pitch:
・ Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
・ Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to Menu Mode No-027 [CW PITCH].
・ Rotate the DIAL to select a new pitch tone/BFO offset. The available offset range is 400 ~ 800 Hz (default value
is “700 Hz”).
・ When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
8. The FT-857 also has a “CW SPOT” feature, utilizing the sidetone. Because the sidetone is a representation of the
actual pitch of your transmitted signal, it may be used for zeroing in on another station. To activate the CW SPOT
tone, just press and hold in the [HOME] key for one second while in the CW mode.
Pressing the [A](SPOT) key while in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR] will also activate the CW SPOT tone.
Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer
The built-in Electronic Keyer provides a convenient method of generating CW. The Electronic Keyer includes weight and
speed adjustments.
1. Connect your keyer paddle’s cable to the KEY jack on the rear panel of the transceiver.
2. Press the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key, as needed, to select the desired CW mode (CW/CWR).
3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT,
BK, KYR] appears on the display.
4. Press the [C](KYR) key to activate the Electronic Keyer. “Parentheses” will appear on both sides of the “KYR”
indication. Closing the contacts on your keyer paddle will now cause CW dots and/or dashes to be generated.
5. The keyer speed may be adjusted using the Menu Mode. To adjust the Keyer speed:
・ While still in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR], press and hold in the [C](KYR) key for one second.
This is a “hot key” feature which will instantly recall Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].
・ Press the MEM/VFO CH knob if you wish to select display of “cpm” (characters per minute) instead of “wpm”
(words per minute). The “cpm” selection is based on the international “PARIS” standard, which stipulates five
characters per word.
・ Rotate the DIAL knob, while sending, to set the desired sending speed.
・ When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
6. The Dot:Dash weighting ratio may be adjusted via Menu Mode. To adjust the Dot:Dash weighting
ratio:
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・Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
・Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-032 [CW WEIGHT].
・Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired weight.
・When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
7. You may select “normal” or “reverse” paddle polarity via Menu Mode No-025 [CW KEY REV]. The default setting
for this feature is “NORMAL,” whereby the “Tip” connection on the Key Plug is “Dot” and the “Ring” connection is
“Dash.” To change the paddle polarity:
・ Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
・ Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-025 [CW KEY REV].
・ Rotate the DIAL knob to select the new setting.
・ When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
FM Transmission
Basic Setup/Operation
1. Press the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key so as to select the FM mode.
2. Press the microphone’s PTT switch, and speak into the microphone in a normal voice. Release the PTT switch to
return to the receive mode.
3. If you get reports that your modulation level is too high or too low, you may need to adjust the FM-mode microphone
gain. The procedure is similar to that used on SSB:
・ Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “i”
[MTR, PWR, DISP] appears on the display, then
press the [A](MTR) key to select the “Deviation” meter
function (“MOD” will appear above the [B] key).
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
5. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-051 [FM MIC GAIN].
6. Rotate the DIAL to increase or decrease the setting of the FM Mic Gain, depending on the level correction required,
then press and hold in the [F] key to save the new setting.
7. Close the PTT switch, and while speaking into the microphone observe the meter indication; the proper setting of the
FM Mic Gain will produce eight “bars” of indication on voice peaks, slightly less on lower levels of speech input.
8. When done, press and hold in the [F] key to save the new setting for the FM-mode microphone gain.
9. The VOX feature is operational during FM transmission. From Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX], press the
[C](VOX) key to activate/deactivate VOX.
Repeater Operation
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “d” [RPT,
REV, VOX] appears on the display.
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2. Press the [A](RPT) key to activate repeater operation. One press of the [A](RPT) key will have set the transceiver for
“Minus Shift” operation. In this situation, you will observe the “–” indicator on the display. The transmitter frequency
will be shifted down by a default value so as to access the repeater input frequency. If your repeater uses a positive
shift (instead of negative), press the [A](RPT) key again; the “+” indicator will replace the “–” indicator on the
display. Set the transceiver’s receiver to the repeater output (downlink) frequency. Close the PTT switch and speak
into the microphone. You will observe that the transmitted frequency has shifted according to the setting of the
[A](RPT) key in the Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX]. Release the PTT switch to return to the Receive
mode.
3. If the default repeater shift is not appropriate for the majority of the repeaters your area, it may be set independently
for each band. To change the default repeater shift:
・ Press and hold in the [A](RPT) key for one second. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-076 [RPT SHIFT].
・ Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift frequency.
・ When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
4. If your repeater uses controlled access (using either CTCSS or DCS), press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the
MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to cause Multi Function Row “e” [TON, -----, TDCH] to appear on the
display. Now select the appropriate tone access system:
・ Press the [A](TON) key to activate the CTCSS tone encoder, which provides a subaudible repeater access tone.
One press of the [A](TON) key will activate the CTCSS tone encoder. In this situation, you will observe the
“TEN” indicator on the display. If you press the [A](TON) key repeatedly, you will observe “TSQ” (CTCSS
Encode/Decode), “DEN” (Digital Coded Squelch, Encode), followed by “DCS” (Digital Coded Squelch,
Encode/Decode). One additional press will disable all repeater-access tone systems. See the next section for a
discussion of DCS operation.
・ If the default repeater access tone is not appropriate for the repeater on which you are operating, it may be set
easily:
1. Press and hold the [A](TON) key for one second. This instantly recall Menu Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ].
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired CTCSS frequency.
3. When done, press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
5. With repeater shift activated, you can temporarily reverse the transmit and receive frequencies by pressing the
[B](REV) key in the Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX]. The “–” icon will blink while “Reverse” shift is
activated. Press the [B](REV) key again to revert to the “Normal” shift direction.
6. On many transceiver versions, the Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) feature is enabled at the factory. This feature
automatically activates the appropriate repeater shift when you are operating inside the designated 144 MHz or 430
MHz FM repeater sub-bands in your country. If you wish to change the On/Off settings for the ARS, use Menu Mode
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No-002 [144MHz ARS] or Menu Mode No-003 [430MHz ARS] (see page 54).
If your local repeaters need a 1750-Hz burst tone for access (typically in Europe), press and hold in the front panel’s
[HOME] key to transmit the burst tone (FM mode only).
Tone Search Scanning
In operating situations where you don’t know the CTCSS tone being used by another station, you can command the radio
to listen to the incoming signal and scan in search of the tone being used. To scan for the CTCSS tone in use:
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “e” [TON, ----, TDCH] appears on the display.
2. Press the [A](TON) key to activate CTCSS Encoder/Decoder; (the “TSQ” icon will appear on the display)
3. Press the [C](TDCH) key to start scanning for the incoming CTCSS tone.
4. When the radio detects the correct tone, it will halt on that tone, and audio will be allowed to pass
5. The CTCSS tone detected will be stored as the “current” tone, so it may be used for memory storage purposes, and
you may now exit to normal operation.
DCS Operation
Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more advanced tone system that is
less susceptible to false triggering than CTCSS. A DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your transceiver, and operation is
very similar to that described above for CTCSS.
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “e” [TON, ----, TDCH] appears on the display.
2. Press the [A](TON) key four times to activate the DCS Encoder/Decoder (the “DCS” icon will appear on the display).
The receiver will remain muted until a matching DCS code is received on an incoming signal.
3. Press and hold in the [B] key for one second. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-033 [DCS CODE].
4. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired DCS code, then press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save new setting
and exit to normal operation.
5. Press the [A](TON) key once to cancel DCS operation (the “DCS” icon will disappear).
DCS Search Scanning
In operating situations where you don’t know the DCS code being used by another station, you can command the radio to
listen to the incoming signal and scan in search of the code being used.
To scan for the DCS code in use:
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “e” [TON, -
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----, TDCH] appears on the display.
2. Press the [A](TON) key to activate DCS (the “DCS” icon will appear on the display).
3. Press the [C](TDCH) key to start scanning for the incoming DCS code.
4. When the radio detects the correct DCS code, it will halt on that code, and audio will be allowed to pass.
5. The DCS code detected will be stored as the “current” code, so it may be used for memory storage purposes, and you
may now exit to normal operation.
Split Tone Operation
The FT-857 can be configured in a “Split Tone” configuration via the Menu mode.
This allows you to encode a CTCSS Tone, decode a DCS code, encode (only) a DCS code, etc.
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-079 [SPLIT TONE].
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON” (to enable the Split Tone feature).
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
When the Split Tone feature is activated, the Multi Function Row “e” selection changes to [ENC, DEC, TDCH]. So, you
can set the desired encoder (by pressing [A](ENC) key, repeatedly, if necessary) and decoder (by pressing the [B](DEC)
key) separately.
When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters.
T- T
:Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a CTCSS Tone
T- D
:Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS Code
:CTCSS Tone Encode only
:DCS Encode only
D- T
:Encodes a DCS Code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone
D- D
:Encodes a DCS Code and Decodes a DCS Code
:DCS Decode only
:CTCSS Tone Decode only
Split Tone Frequency or DCS Code Setup
1. Press and hold in the [A](ENC)(if you use CTCSS) or [B](DEC)(if you use DCS) key for one second. This instantly
recalls Menu Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ] or No-033 [DCS CODE].
2. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the “R” option. This is the tone you
Receive, i.e. the “Decode” tone.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Decode CTCSS frequency (or DCS code).
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4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the “T” option. This is the tone you
Transmit, i.e. the “Encode” tone.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Encode CTCSS frequency (or DCS code).
6. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
ARTS™ Operation
The ARTS™ system uses DCS signaling to inform you when you and another ARTS™ equipped station are within
communications range. This can be especially valuable during search-and-rescue operations, as a base station can quickly
use ARTS™ to alert a field unit that it is out of range; the field unit can then move to a better location to re-establish
communications.
ARTS™ is easy to use:
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS,
SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.
2. Press the [A](ARTS) key to activate ARTS™ operation.
3. Your display will change to “out range” to indicate the beginning of ARTS™ operation. Every 30 seconds, your radio
will transmit a “polling” call to the other station. When that station responds with its return ARTS™ polling signal,
your display will change to “in range” to confirm reception of the response.
4. To cancel ARTS™ operation, press the [A](ARTS) key again (the “out range” or “in range” indication will disappear
from the LCD).
ARTS Alert Beep Options
The ARTS™ feature allows two kinds of alert beeps (with the additional option of turning them off), so as to alert you to
the current status of ARTS™ operation. Depending on your location and the potential annoyance associated with frequent
beeps, you may choose the Beep mode which best suits your needs. The choices are:
RANGE:
The beeps are issued only when the radio first confirms that you are within range, but does not re-confirm
with beeps thereafter.
ALL:
Every time a polling transmission is received from the other station, the alert beeps will be heard.
OFF:
No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at the display to confirm current ARTS™ status.
To set the ARTS™ Beep mode:
1. While still in Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS], press and hold the [A](ARTS) key for one second. This
is a “hot key” which will instantly recall Menu Mode No-008 [ARTS BEEP].
2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode (see above).
3. When you have made your selection, press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.
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CW Identifier Setup
The ARTS™ feature includes a CW identifier, as discussed previously. Every ten minutes during ARTS™ operation, the
radio can be instructed to send “DE (your callsign) K” if this feature is enabled. The callsign field may contain up to 10
characters.
Here’s how to program the CW Identifier:
1. Press and hold the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the Menu Mode No-010 [ARTS IDW].
3. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily to initiate callsign storage (the first character location of the callsign field
will be underlined.).
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of your callsign, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click
clockwise to save the first letter/number and move to the next entry position.
5. Repeat the previous step as many times as necessary to complete your callsign.
6. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily to save your completed callsign and exit.
7. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click counter-clockwise to select the Menu Mode No-009 [ARTS ID].
8. Rotate the DIAL to set the CW ID function to “ON.”
9. Press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
Digital Mode Operation (SSB-Based AFSK)
The FT-857 provides extensive capability for digital mode operation on the HF, VHF, and UHF bands. The use of AFSK
(Audio Frequency-Shifted Keying) configurations allows a wide variety of different communication modes to be utilized.
The Menu provides for specific digital mode selections, which include custom BFO offsets to optimize the receive and
transmit passbands for the mode selected.
Before beginning Digital operation, you need to define which Digital mode will be utilized. To do this, use Menu #38 as
follows (in this example, we will set up RTTY as the Digital mode):
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE].
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “RTTY-L” or “RTTY-U” (see discussion below).
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit.
Use this technique to set up any digital mode.
RTTY (Radio TeleType) Operation
The “RTTY” mode on the FT-857 is available in either LSB-side or USB-side BFO injection. Long-standing Amateur
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practice calls for the use of LSB-side injection, but some applications require that you use USB-side injection.
1. Connect your TNC (Terminal Node Controller) or terminal modem to the FT-857’s rear-panel DATA jack, per the
illustration. Be sure to use the “TX AUDIO” line, not an “FSK” line, for the transmit data connection to the FT-857.
2. Press the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key, as needed, to select the DIG mode (the “DIG” icon will appear on the display).
You should now be able to tune around the band, and any RTTY signals heard should be capable of being decoded.
3. If the optional YF-122C 500 Hz filter has been installed, it may be used for RTTY work. Recall Multi Function Row
“n” [CFIL, -----, -----], then press the [B](-----) or [C](-----) key to engage the narrow filter.
4. To set up the transmit side, be sure that the Meter is set to monitor ALC voltage. If not, press the [F] key momentarily,
then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select to select Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, -----, DISP], then press the
[A](MTR) or [B] key so as to select metering of ALC (“ALC” icon will appear at the upper of the [B] key).
5. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select
Menu Mode No-037 [DIG GAIN].
6. Following the instructions for your TNC’s software, activate the transmitter from the computer keyboard; this should
cause the AFSK output from the TNC to be sent to the radio. While transmitting, view the ALC meter; a few “dots” of
ALC indication should be observed. If not, rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the AFSK level within the FT-857 for
seven to eight dots of indication on the ALC meter.
7. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new AFSK level setting and return to normal
operation. You are now ready for full RTTY operation.
Because RTTY is a continuous-duty transmission mode, try to keep your transmission short when running on battery
power, so as to minimize current drain.
PSK31 Operation
Two dedicated PSK31 modes are available, one each for USB-side and LSB-side injection. For BPSK work, the injection
does not matter, but for QPSK the two working stations must use the same sideband.
Connect the FT-857 to your computer’s sound card or interface, per thenillustration.
Setup for PSK31 operation is basically identical to that previously described for RTTY operation. As before, use the
“DIG” mode. However, in Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE], select “PSK31-L” (for LSB injection) or “PSK31-U” (for
USB injection). As with RTTY, Menu #38 may be used to set the drive to the transmitter. And the YF-122C 500 Hz filter
may also be utilized, as described previously.
“USER” Defined Digital Modes
Also provided in the FT-857 are two convenient “USER” Digital modes, one each providing USB- and LSB-side injection,
which may be used for SSTV, Fax, Pactor, and other digital operating modes.
Here is an example involving the configuration of the USER mode for JT44 (WSJT) operation with USB-side injection
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(as opposed to LSB injection, used in the default “RTTY” mode):
1. Use Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE] to set the Digital mode to “USER-U.”
2. Press the MODE(<)/MODE(>) key, as needed, to select the DIG operating mode (the “DIG” icon will appear on the
display).
3. Now use Menu mode to configure the transceiver’s passband response. Once in the Menu mode, rotate the MEM/VFO
CH knob to select Menu Mode No-039 [DIG SHIFT], and rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired BFO offset. (a
center frequency for the receiver response). For WSJT use, a setting of about “+1500” will be a good starting point.
4. Finally, depending on how you wish the display to respond, you may program in a corresponding display shift, using
Menu Mode No-036 [DIG DISP].
5. Remember to press and hold in the [F] key for one second when exiting the Menu mode.
The setup of the AFSK drive level is identical to that described previously for RTTY operation.
The USER-L and USER-U Digital modes should allow you to operate on any SSB-based AFSK Digital mode. Note that
the “PSK31” configurations will also work well for many Digital operating situations.
Packet (1200/9600 bps FM) Operation
The FT-857 is designed for operation on either 1200 bps or 9600 bps packet, and setup is similar to that described
previously for SSB-based modes. A separate Data input adjustment is provided, allowing you to optimize the deviation on
the FM Packet modes separately from the levels set for SSB-based Digital modes. The RX-Data output lines are fixedlevel outputs, not affected by the setting of the AF Gain control.
1. Connect your TNC to the FT-857’s rear-panel DATA jack, per the illustration.
Note that different connections are used for 1200 bps and 9600 bps Packet.
2. Use Menu Mode No-073 [PKT RATE] to select the desired Packet mode.
Once you have entered the Menu and have selected Menu Mode No-073 [PKT RATE], rotate the DIAL knob to select
either “1200” or “9600” (bps) as the Packet rate.
3. Press the MODE(<)/MODE(>) key, as needed, to select the PKT operating mode (the “PKT” icon will appear on the
display).
You are now set up for reception on Packet. If you are operating on 1200 bps, try now to connect to another station or
node; you may well find that the drive level needs no further adjustment. If, however, you are having trouble connecting
due to insufficient or excessive drive from the TNC to the FT-857, use Menu Mode No-071 [PKT 1200] (for 1200 bps
Packet) or No-072 [PKT 9600] (for 9600 bps Packet) to set the drive. Use your terminal software’s “test” protocol to send
out test tones, and adjust the deviation by rotating the DIAL knob, which will vary the data input level to the FT-857’s
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modulator. Remember to press and hold in the [F] key for one second when adjustments are completed, so as to save the
new setting for Menu Mode No-071 [PKT 1200] or No-072 [PKT 9600].
The 9600 bps Packet deviation setting is very critical to successful operation, and it can only be accomplished using a
calibrated deviation meter; the optimum setting is usually ±2.75 kHz (±0.25 kHz). For 1200 bps, the optimum level is
much less critical, with the optimum deviation being between ±2.5 kHz and ±3.5 kHz.
WeatherFax Monitoring
Monitoring of HF WeatherFax broadcasts is easily accomplished using the FT-857.
Before proceeding, be certain that the WeatherFax demodulator is properly connected to Pins 5 and 2 of the rear panel
DATA jack.
1. Set the transceiver to the VFO mode, and set the operating mode to “DIG,” setting Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE]
to “PSK31-U,” as described previously.
2. Now, select the operating frequency of the station transmitting the WeatherFax broadcast. Note that, in the USB mode,
the frequency you should program onto the display is typically 1.90 kHz below the station’s “assigned” frequency.
Thus for a WeatherFax station assigned to 8.682.0 MHz, tune to 8.680.1 MHz.
3. When the WeatherFax broadcast begins, no further operator intervention should be needed from the transceiver
standpoint. The audio level from the DATA jack on the rear of the transceiver is fixed, and cannot be adjusted.
4. Fine adjustments in the gray-scale and the frame alignment are accomplished using the computer and software
connected to your WeatherFax demodulator.
Time-Out Timer
Most often used on FM, the transmitter’s Time-Out Timer (TOT) feature disables the transmitter after a user-defined
period of transmission. This feature may be useful in preventing a “stuck microphone” (accidental closure of the PTT
switch) from causing interference to other users, and it will also force you to keep your transmissions short, thereby
conserving battery power.
To activate the Time-Out Timer:
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-084 [TOT TIME].
The default setting for this feature is “OFF.” Rotate the DIAL knob to set a new time-out setting (from 1 minute to 20
minutes).
3. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.
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Split Frequency Operation
This transceiver provides convenient split-frequency operation, using the VFO-A and VFO-B, for DX working and other
operating situations requiring unique split frequency pairs.
The example below will describe a typical split-frequency DX situation on the 20-meter band, with a DX station
transmitting on 14.025 MHz, listening 10 kHz higher in the band.
1. Set VFO-A to 14.035.00 MHz CW (DX station’s listening frequency).
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “a” [A/B,
A=B, SPL] appears on the display.
3. Press the [A](A/B) key momentarily to select VFO-B.
4. Tune the VFO-B frequency to 14.025.00 MHz (DX station’s transmitting frequency).
5. Press the [C](SPL) key momentarily. The transceiver will now transmit using the VFO-A frequency, and will receive
using the VFO-B frequency.
“Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “SPL” indication, and the “SPL” icon will appear at the upper left
corner of the display.
6. To listen to the pile-up calling the DX station (so as to align your frequency more closely to that of the station being
worked by the DX), press the [A](A/B) key to reverse the VFOs. You will now be tuning in the vicinity of 14.035
MHz, and you can zero in on the DX station’s listening frequency by tuning in on the station in QSO with the DX.
Press the [A](A/B) key again to return to reception on the DX station’s frequency.
7. Press the [C](SPL) key once more to cancel split operation; the “Parentheses” and “SPL” icon will disappear from the
display.
Active-Tuning Antenna System (ATAS-100/-120) Operation
The optional ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System provides operation on a number of HF bands (7/14/21/28
MHz) plus 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz. The FT-857 provides microprocessor control of the tuning mechanism in
the ATAS-100/-120 for convenient automatic tuning.
Before operation can begin, you must instruct the FT-857’s microprocessor that the ATAS-100/-120 is being used. This is
done using the Menu Mode:
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode N0-085 [TUNER/ATAS]. The default setting for this Menu is
“OFF.” Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to “ATAS (ALL),” if you are using the ATAS-100/-120 for all bands
(you must connect an external diplexer to combine the two antenna ports so as to use the ATAS-100/-120 on all
bands). Or make the setting “ATAS (HF&50),” if you are using the ATAS-100/-120 on 7 ~ 50 MHz, with a dual-band
VHF/UHF antenna connected separately to the 144/430 MHz antenna port. If you are just using the ATAS-100/-120
on the HF bands only, with a dual-band VHF/UHF antenna connected separately to the 144/430 MHz antenna port (no
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50 MHz operation) make the setting “ATAS (HF).”
3. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
Automatic Tuning
1. Press the [F] key, as needed, to recall Multi Function Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP].
2. Press the [A](TUNE) key to turn the ATAS-100/-120 on (this action only supplies voltage to the antenna at this point;
re-tuning does not begin). “Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “TUNE” indication, and the “ATAS” will
appear on the LCD.
3. Now press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key for one second to initiate ATAS-100/-120 tuning. The transmitter will
automatically be activated, a carrier will be sent, and the antenna’s length will be adjusted for best SWR.
4. If the microprocessor determines that the antenna’s length is radically incorrect from the optimum value, no carrier
will be sent out. Instead, in the receive mode, the antenna will retract to its shortest position (this may take up to one
minute). While this is happening, do not press the [A](TUNE) key again.
When the ATAS-100/-120 reaches its minimum length, automatic tuning will be initiated, and the
transmitter will automatically shut off when a satisfactory SWR is achieved.
5. On the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands, the ATAS-100/-120 does not require a tuning process. SWR will be
satisfactory when the antenna is fully retracted.
6. When you wish to conclude ATAS-100/-120 operation, press the [A](TUNE) key; the “Parentheses” disappear
surrounding the “ATAS” indication.
Manual Tuning
In some instances, the SWR may be slightly improved by manual adjustment of the antenna position. This may be needed
for operation on bands like 40 meters, where the “Q” of the ATAS-100/-120 is high, causing a narrow resonance range.
Before Manual Tuning, press the [F] key, as needed, to recall Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, -----, DISP], then press the
[A](MTR) or [B] key to change the meter function to the SWR meter (“SWR” icon will appear at the upper of the [B]
key).
To tune the ATAS-100/-120 manually, recall Multi Function Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP], then press and hold in the
microphone PTT switch. With the transceiver in the “transmit” mode, press and hold in the [C](UP) key (to raise the
antenna) or the [B](DOWN) key (to lower the antenna). While you hold in one of these keys, the FT-857 will generate a
carrier, and you may watch the top scale of the FT-857’s meter, looking for the meter indication to reach its minimum
value. When this is reached, release the [C](UP) or [B](DOWN) key, then release the PTT key to return to the “receive”
mode.
1) Once automatic matching has been successfully accomplished, you must change frequency by at least 10 kHz before
attempting automatic matching again. Within a window of ±10 kHz from a match point, the transceiver’s
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microprocessor will ignore any command to attempt automatic matching.
2) Antenna tuning is accomplished using a “CW” carrier, although the mode indication will not change to “CW” (if you
are operating on another mode) during antenna tuning.
3) If you see a “HI SWR” on the LCD, it may mean that there is a problem in your coaxial cable (bad connection, etc.)
which is preventing successful tuning. Replace the cable, or try adding a few feet/meters of cable (to eliminate the
possibility of adverse “transformer action” in the 50 Ω cable during the tuning process).
4) If you are able to achieve an SWR of less than 2:1 via manual tuning, the FT-857 will “accept” the manual setting, and
you may then re-tune automatically when changing bands. If, however, you stop manual tuning at a non-optimum
setting (SWR >2:1), the FT-857 will not permit further automatic tuning. To refresh the setting of the ATAS-100/-120,
press the [B](DOWN) key until the ATAS-100/-120 fully retracts. You may then restart automatic tuning per the
procedures described earlier.
5) The FT-857 may also be used with the model ATAS-100 antenna, although the tuning speed of the ATAS-100 will be
slower than with the ATAS-120.
ATAS-100/-120 Operating Tips
The information below will help you derive the best performance possible from the ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning
Antenna System.
Grounding
It is critically important that you establish a good mechanical and RF ground connection for your ATAS-100/-120 (as
with all vertical antennas). Mobile mounts which are bolted through the vehicle’s roof, or otherwise mechanically affixed,
will usually be satisfactory. However, magnetic mounts do not provide the RF grounding necessary for good performance,
and are not recommended for use with this antenna.
Tuning Procedure
The feedpoint impedance of the ATAS-100/-120 (resistance and reactance) will necessarily vary over a wide range when
you change bands. Occasionally, the transceiver’s microprocessor will not initially be able to determine the proper
direction for the ATAS-100/-120 to travel (inward or outward) for best SWR.
To resolve this situation, the transceiver will then command the ATAS-100/-120 to retract fully to its minimum height,
and thence restart the tuning process. In this instance, the “TUNE” icon will remain on the display after you press the
[A](TUNE) key. If this happens, do not press the [A](TUNE) key repeatedly. The transceiver will remain in the receive
mode as it retracts (this may take up to one minute). Thereafter, the transmitter will be engaged, and the ATAS-100/-120
will be automatically adjusted for best SWR. The “TUNE” icon will then disappear from the LCD, and you will be ready
for operation.
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External Wattmeters
If you wish to use an external wattmeter in conjunction with the transceiver and your ATAS-100/-120, please check the
wattmeter with an Ohmmeter prior to installation. Be sure there is a direct connection between the “In” and “Out” jacks of
the wattmeter (zero resistance), and also ensure that there is a completely open circuit between the center pin and shield of
the wattmeter’s output jack. Some wattmeters use a coil or other device which shorts the center pin to ground at DC, and
this type of internal wattmeter circuitry will not allow the tuning function of the ATAS-100/-120 to operate.
Operation on 30/17/12 Meters
Although the ATAS-100/-120 is not specified for operation on the above bands, and optimum operation is therefore not
guaranteed, the ATAS-100/-120 generally can be tuned successfully on these bands (some manual adjustment may be
required). Operation of the ATAS-100/-120 on these bands will not damage the antenna’s components; please feel free to
experiment on these bands, if you like.
FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner Operation
The optional FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner provides automatic tuning of a coaxial line so as to present a nominal 50 Ω
impedance to the FT-857’s HF/50 MHz antenna port.
Before operation can begin, you must instruct the FT-857’s microprocessor that the FC-30 is being used. This is done
using the Menu Mode:
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN]. The default setting for this Menu is
“CAT.” Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to “TUNER.”
3. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-085 [TUNER/ATAS]. The default setting for this Menu is
“OFF.” Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to “TUNER.”
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit.
Operation is similar to the procedure for the ATAS-100/-120:
1. Press the [F] key, as needed, to recall Multi Function Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP].
2. Press the [A](TUNE) key to turn the FC-30 on. “Parentheses” will appear on both sides of the “TUNE” indication,
and the “TUNE” will appear on the LCD.
3. Press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key to initiate automatic tuning. The FT-857 transmitter will be activated, a carrier
signal will be sent out, and the coils and capacitors in the FC-30 will be selected/adjusted for optimum SWR. When
tuning is complete, the transmission will cease, and you will be ready for operation on this frequency.
Tuning data will be stored in the FC-30’s Memory system. See the discussion below for details on how this works.
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Antenna Tuner Memory System
The FC-30, working in concert with the FT-857, can store impedance matching data in its micro-computer memory, so as
to provide instant adjustment as you transmit in different areas of a particular band. A total of 100 memories are provided:
11 of these are “general” memories apportioned one per band, while the remaining 89 are allocated for specific frequency
data within the various bands, with the capability to resolve new tuning data every 10 kHz. A few guidelines should be
noted regarding the FC-30’s memory system:
Tuning data is stored when you make an active effort to store it by pressing and holding in the [A](TUNE) key for one
second. Although the tuner will automatically activate itself if it encounters more than 1.5:1 SWR, this memory will not
be stored unless you have pressed the [A](TUNE) key for one second. This allows you to store your favorite operating
frequency areas into tuner memory without tying up memory space with matching data on seldom-used frequencies.
If the FC-30 cannot resolve a satisfactory match because the SWR is above 3:1 (2:1 on the 50 MHz band), the tuning
process will stop, and no memory data will be stored. However, you may wish to move frequency a few kHz, then press
the [A](TUNE) key again for one second, as slight changes in the reactance may allow a match to be obtained. Then go
back to the original frequency and try again.
Another technique which may allow matching in some situations is to add a few feet or meters of coaxial cable on the
“antenna side” of the FC-30. This will change the impedance transformation taking place in the coaxial cable, possibly
moving the impedance presented to the FC-30 into an acceptable range. Note that this is not changing the actual antenna
SWR, but only the impedance “seen” by the FC-30’s matching circuits.
If your antenna system presents an SWR of less than 1.5:1, you may wish to turn off the antenna tuner, as full transmitter
power will be delivered to the antenna system without intervention by the FC-30.
If the impedance encountered by the FC-30 exceeds 3:1, and the “HI SWR” icon is illuminated, the microprocessor will
not retain the tuning data for that frequency, as the FC-30 presumes that you will want to adjust or repair your antenna
system so as to correct the high SWR condition.
Memory Operation
QMB (Quick Memory Bank) Channels
The “Quick Memory” Bank provides one-touch access to frequencies you want to store and recall in a hurry. You may
store a “QMB” channel into a “regular” memory later, if you like; use of the “regular” memories will be described later.
QMB Channel Storage
1. Tune in the desired frequency and set the operating mode and bandwidth. If this is an FM channel, set
up any required CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations.
2. Press and hold in the V/M key until a double “beep” is heard. The second beep provides audible confirmation that the
data has been stored into the QMB memory.
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Pressing the [A](STO) key momentarily while in Multi Function Row “c” [STO, RCL, PROC] will also store a frequency
into the QMB register.
QMB Channel Recall
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “c” [STO,
RCL, PROC] appears on the display.
2. Press the [B](RCL) key momentarily to recall the QMB memory. “QMB” will appear at the upper left corner on the
display.
3. Press the [B](RCL) key once more to return to the previous frequency (either a VFO frequency or a Memory
channel).
If you move the DIAL knob or MEM/VFO CH knob while in the QMB mode, you can change frequencies as if you were
in a “VFO” mode. You also can change operating mode by pressing the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key. When this is done,
“MTQMB” will appear in the display, where “MT” represents “Memory Tuning.” Press the [B](RCL) key once more to
return to the originally-stored QMB frequency.
Memory Operation on “Regular” Memory Channels
Most Memory operation will be conducted in the “regular” memory registers. There are 200 memory channels available
for storage and recall of important frequencies.
Normal Memory Storage
1. Tune in the desired frequency, and set the operating mode and bandwidth. If this is an FM channel, set up any
required CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations. Standard (default) repeater shifts do not require you to utilize
the “split” frequency memory technique, described later.
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP,
TAG] appears on the display.
3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode, which is used to find an unused memory
channel. The frequency stored (if any) on the current memory channel will be shown in the display. Rotate the
MEM/VFO CH knob to select the channel number on which you wish to store the current frequency data.
4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second until you hear a double beep; the second beep confirms that the
frequency information was successfully stored.
Split-Frequency Memory Storage
You can also store “Split” frequencies, such as when operating on a repeater system not utilizing a “standard” offset. This
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procedure may also be used for DX work on 7 MHz SSB, etc.
1. In the VFO mode, set the desired Receive frequency and mode.
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW,
SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.
3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode, which is used to find an unused memory
channel. The frequency stored (if any) on the current memory channel will be shown in the display. Rotate the
MEM/VFO CH knob to select the channel on which you wish to store the receive frequency data.
4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second until you hear a double beep, which confirms that the Receive
frequency data is now stored.
5. Now, set the desired Transmit frequency and mode on the VFO.
6. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily; do not rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob!
While the “memory channel number” is blinking, press and hold in the PTT switch; while holding it in, press and hold
in the [A](MW) key for one second.
The double “beep” will confirm that independent Transmit frequency data is now stored. You may now release the
PTT switch.
In step 6 above, pressing the PTT switch does not activate the transmitter. It simply sends a signal to the microprocessor
that an independent Transmit frequency is being stored on the same channel as a previously-stored Receive frequency.
Memory Channel Recall
1. If you currently are in the VFO tuning mode, press the V/M key once to enter the “Memory” mode (a memory
channel number “M-nnn” will appear on the display in the space previously occupied by “VFOa” or “VFOb”).
2. To select another memory channel, turn the MEM/VFO CH knob.
3. When your memory channels are partitioned into Memory Groups via Menu Mode No-055 [MEM GROUP], it is easy
to change Memory Groups; press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily (a Group Number (“Ma” ~ “Mj” will blink),
then turn the MEM/VFO CH knob to step through the channels until you enter another. You may now press the
MEM/VFO CH knob once more to restrict memory channel access to the newly-selected Group.
4. Once you are operating on a memory channel, you may tune off of the originally-memorized frequency (as though
you were in the VFO mode). Just rotate the DIAL knob; the “Memory Channel Number” will be replaced by one
which indicates “MTUNE,” indicating that you have now shifted into the “Memory Tuning” mode. When operating
the Memory Tuning mode, if you find another frequency you wish to store into another memory channel, just press
the [A](MW) key momentarily, select a new memory channel via the MEM/VFO CH knob, then press and hold in the
[A](MW) key until you hear the double beep.
5. To exit the Memory Tuning mode, press the V/M key as follows:
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・One touch of the V/M key returns you to the original memory frequency.
・A second touch of the V/M key will cause you to exit the Memory mode and return to the VFO mode (the memory
channel number will be replaced by “VFOa” or “VFOb.”
When operating on a “Split” frequency memory, a special “–+” indication will appear on the LCD.
Masking (“Hiding”) a Memory
Frequency data stored on a memory channel can be deleted, if desired, from any memory channel except channel “1.” The
deletion process is not a “hard” erasure, so if you erase a channel by mistake using this procedure, the memory channel
contents can be recovered.
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW,
SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.
2. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the memory channel to be deleted.
3. Press the [B](MCLR) key momentarily. The frequency display field on the LCD will go blank, and the memory
channel number will blink.
4. Wait about five seconds; when the memory channel number stops blinking, the data will now be “masked” and will
not be available for operation.
5. To restore the masked frequency data, repeat the above steps. However, if you store new frequency information on a
channel containing masked data, the masked data will be over-written and lost.
6. Memory Channel 1 is used for Priority operation, and frequency information may only be over-written (not masked)
on this channel.
Memory Operation on “HOME” Channel Memories
Four Special one-touch “Home” channels are available, for special frequencies you use often. Either “simplex” or “split”
frequency/mode data may be stored in the “Home” channel locations. Special “Home” channels are available for HF (any
frequency between 1.8 and 29.7 MHz), 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz.
These memories may prove particularly useful for monitoring propagation beacons, providing one-touch recall of the
beacon frequency for a quick check of band conditions.
HOME Channel Storage
1. Tune the desired frequency, and set the operating mode. If this is an FM channel, set up any required
CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations.
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW,
SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.
3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode.
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4. Press and hold in the HOME key for one second. This stores the frequency data into the “Home” channel location. As
usual, you will hear a double beep to confirm the successful storage of the frequency data.
5. If you wish to store a “Split” frequency pair into the “Home” channel, store the Receive frequency as in steps 1 ~ 4
above. Now set the desired Transmit frequency. Once more, press the [A](MW) key momentarily. Press and hold in
the microphone’s PTT switch; while holding the PTT switch, again press and hold in the HOME key for one second.
This stores the transmit frequency data into the “Home” channel location.
HOME Channel Recall
1. Press the HOME key momentarily to recall the Home Channel on the band group where you currently are operating
(HF, 50 MHz, 144 MHz, or 430 MHz). The “HOME” indication will appear on the display.
2. Press the HOME key once more to return to the previously-used frequency (either a VFO frequency or a memory
channel).
Labeling Memories
You may wish to append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a memory or memories, to aid in recollection of the channel’s
intended use (such as a club name, etc.). This is easily accomplished using the Menu mode.
1. Recall the memory channel onto which you wish to appended a label.
2. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
3. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG].
4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable the programming of the label.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first character (as shown below) in the name you with to store, then rotate the
MEM/VFO CH knob clockwise to move to the next character.
6. Again rotate the DIAL knob to select the next number, letter, or symbol, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob
clockwise to move to the next character’s slot.
7. Repeat step 6 as many times as necessary to complete the name tag for the memory, then press and hold in the [F] key
for one second to save the A/N (Alpha-Numeric) name entry and exit to normal operation.
8. During Memory operation, press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi
Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display. Press the [C](TAG) key momentarily to activate the
alpha-numeric Tag. Repeatedly pressing this key will toggle operation between “Frequency” display and “Tag”
display.
You can recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] instantly by pressing and holding in the [C](TAG) key for one second.
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Spectrum Scope Monitor
Spectrum Scope Monitor Operation
The Spectrum Scope Monitor allows viewing of operating activity on above and below your current frequency channel in
the VFO mode, or viewing of memory channel activity on the current memory group when in the Memory mode. When
the Spectrum Scope Monitor is activated, the display indicates the relative signal strength on channels immediately
adjacent to the current operating frequency.
Using the Spectrum Scope
1. Set the transceiver to the VFO mode in the desired band or within the desired memory group.
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “h” [SCOP,
WID, STEP] appears on the display.
3. Press the [A](SCOP) key momentarily to engage the Spectrum Scope.
When the Spectrum Scope is in operation, the relative signal strength of stations on channels immediately adjacent to
the current frequency will be indicated on the display.
4. While the Spectrum Scope is activated in the VFO mode, press the [B](WID) key to change the visible bandwidth.
Available selections are ±10 (default), ±15, and ±63 channels. Press the [C](STEP) key to change the channel step
resolution. Available selections are shown bellow.
Mode
Channel Steps (kHz)
CW, SSB, DIG
1.0 / 2.5 / 5.0
AM
2.5 / 5.0 / 9.0 / 10.0 / 12.5 / 25.0
FM, PKT
5.0 / 6.25 / 10.0 / 12.5 / 15.0 / 20.0 / 25.0 / 50.0
ρ
While the Spectrum Scope is activated, press and hold in the [B] key for one second to change the Sweep mode. This
allows you to switch between “Scanner sweeps just once” and “Scanner sweeps continuously (default).”
ρ
When the Spectrum Scope mode is in the “Scanner sweeps just once” mode press and hold in the [A] key for one
second to restart the Sweep.
ρ
While the Spectrum Scope is activated, press and hold in the [C] key for one second to enable the “Meter peak hold”
feature.
5. To disable the Spectrum Scope, press the [A](SCOP) key once more.
The receiver’s audio output and S-meter are disabled when using the Spectrum Scope.
Smart Search ™ Operation
The Smart Search™ feature automatically stores frequencies where activity is encountered on the current band. When
Smart Search™ is engaged, the transceiver quickly searches above your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it
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goes (without stopping on them even momentarily). These frequencies are stored in a special Smart Search ™ memory
bank, consisting of 50 memories. This feature is available on the FM and AM modes.
The Smart Search™ feature is especially helpful when traveling, as you can instantly store active FM repeater frequencies
without having to look up the frequencies in a reference book.
1. Set the SQL knob to the point where background noise is silenced. A typical setting, for effective Smart Search™
operation, will be at 12 o’clock or slightly clockwise from this position.
2. Set the VFO to the frequency on which you wish to begin the search (the Smart Search™ feature is available on the
VFO mode only).
3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS,
SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.
4. Now press the [B](SRCH) key momentarily; the blinking “SRCH” indicator will appear on the LCD, and the
transceiver will sweep upward on the current band, loading channels on which it encounters a signal strong enough to
open the squelch. All channels where activity is present (up to 50 channels) will be loaded into the Smart Search™
memories.
5. Now you can turn the MEM/VFO CH knob to select from the just-stored Smart Search™ memories. If you find
frequencies you wish to store into a “regular” memory, just follow the procedures described previously; just don’t
press the [B](SRCH) key while storing these memories, because this will disable Smart Search™ operation.
6. To disable Smart Search™ operation, press the [B](SRCH) key momentarily.
The Smart Search™ memories are so-called “soft” memories; they will be lost if you initiate a new Smart Search™ sweep
of the band.
Scanning Operation
Scanning Features
This transceiver contains a wide variety of scanning capabilities. Whether you are in the VFO mode or
one of the memory modes, scanning operation is fundamentally identical in all configurations, but with
the following differences:
ρ
In the VFO mode, scanning causes the transceiver to sweep up or down the band, pausing or halting on any signal
encountered;
ρ
In the Memory mode, the scanner will scan the programmed memories, and can be instructed to skip certain
memories during scanning;
ρ
In the Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) mode, the scanner will scan the band within user-programmed frequency
limits.
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Scanning Operation
In order for the FT-857 to scan automatically, the Squelch must be set so that the background noise is silenced, because
the command to “Stop Scanning” driven by the same circuit that causes the green “Busy” LED to light up (when noise or
a signal is received).
1. Set the SQL knob to the point where background noise is silenced. A typical setting, for effective scanning operation,
will be at 12 o’clock or slightly clockwise from this position.
2. Set the transceiver into the operating configuration in which you wish to scan (VFO or Memory; PMS will be
described later).
3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “g” [SCN,
PRI, DW] appears on the display.
4. Press the [A](SCN) key momentarily to start upward scan (toward higher frequencies or higher memory channel
numbers).
5. Rotate the DIAL knob or MEM/VFO CH knob counterclockwise to toggle the scanning direction downward.
6. The scanner will now cause the transceiver to increment in the chosen direction until a signal is detected. When a
signal is encountered which opens the Squelch, it will do different things, depending on the operating mode:
µ
In the FM/AM modes, the transceiver pauses on the signal and stays locked on its frequency for five seconds.
Thereafter, scanning will resume whether or not the other station’s transmission has ended. While the transceiver
is in the “Pause” condition, the decimal points in the frequency display area will blink. See “Scan-Resume
Choices” on next chapter for details of how to customize the resumption of scanning.
µ In the SSB/CW modes, the scanner will slow down (but wonn’t stop).
7. Press the PTT switch on the microphone to cancel scanning.
You may also press and hold in either the [UP] or [DWN] key on the microphone for one second to initiate upward or
downward scanning, respectively, if Menu Mode No-058 [MIC SCAN] is set to “ON.”
Scan-Resume Choices
Scanning operation requires that you have the FT-857’s audio squelched. The transceiver then “assumes” that the opening
of the squelch corresponds to the discovery of a signal you may wish to listen to.
Once the scan has been halted, one of three things may happen:
TIME (default action): In this mode, the transceiver pauses on the signal and stays locked on its frequency for five
seconds. Thereafter, scanning will resume whether or not the other station’s transmission has ended. The
pause time is adjustable from 1 to 10 seconds via Menu Mode No-078 [SCAN RESUME].
BUSY:
In this mode, the scanner will halt until the other station’s transmission ceases (at which point the squelch will
close). One second after the squelch closes, scanning resumes automatically.
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STOP:
In this mode, the scanner will find a signal, and lock on that frequency without resuming the scan.
To choose the Scan-Resume mode:
1. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-077 [SCAN MODE].
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Scan-Resume mode.
4. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.
Scan Skip Programming (Memory Mode Only)
Among the memories you have programmed, there may be some stations which you do not wish to scan. For example,
broadcast signals (which are transmitted continuously) will cause the scanner to stop, and such channels may be skipped
so as to avoid this inconvenience.
To remove a channel from the scanning loop:
1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW,
SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.
2. Recall the memory channel to be skipped.
3. Press the [B](SKIP) key momentarily. The “hyphen” in the memory channel number will change to become a “dot;”
this shows that this channel now is not included in the scanning loop.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as necessary to skip all the channels you do not wish to scan.
5. Initiate memory scanning; you will observe that the channels you marked to be skipped are not included in the
scanning loop.
6. Press the PTT switch to stop the scan; you may now use the MEM/VFO CH knob to step through the channels
manually - one at a time - and you will observe that the “Skipped” channels are, nonetheless, available for recall by
manual means.
7. You may restore a previously-skipped channel to the scanning loop by selecting the channel manually, then pressing
the [B](SKIP) key momentarily so that the “dot” changes to become a “hyphen.”
“Priority Channel” Scanning
The FT-857’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which allows you to operate on a VFO or
Memory channel, while periodically checking a Memory Channel “M-001” for activity. If a station is received on the
Memory Channel “M-001” which is strong enough to open the Squelch, the scanner will pause on that station in
accordance with the Scan-Resume mode set via Menu Mode No-078 [SCAN RESUME]. See page 59.
Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation:
1. Rotate the SQL control until the background noise is just silenced, then store the frequency to be the “Priority”
channel into the Memory Channel “M-001.”
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2. Set the FT-857 for operation on another memory channel, or on a VFO frequency.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “g” [SCN,
PRI, DW] appears on the display.
4. Press the [B](PRI) key momentarily to start the “Priority” monitoring (the “P” icon will appear at the upper of the
frequency display). During Priority monitoring, the displayed frequency will shift to the Priority memory briefly
about five seconds, while the receiver check for the presence of a signal.
5. When no signal appears on the Priority memory (i.e. the squelch remains closed), you can tune, transmit and receive
on the VFO, or select and operate on other memories.
6. If a station you wish to talk with appears on the Priority channel, press the PTT switch momentarily while receiving
their signal (no transmission will occur) to halt Priority scanning. Otherwise, when a signal appears on the Priority
channel, Priority monitoring will just pause on the channel. Priority monitoring will resume.
7. To cancel Priority monitoring, press again the [B](PRI) key.
Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) Operation
To limit scanning (and manual tuning) within a particular frequency range, you can use the Programmable Memory
Scanning (PMS) feature, which utilizes 10 special-purpose memory pairs (“M-P1L/M-P1U” through “M-P5L/M-P5U”).
The PMS feature is especially useful in helping you to observe any operating sub-band limits which apply to your
Amateur license class.
PMS setup is simple to accomplish:
1. Store the upper and lower frequency limits of the desired range into the PMS memory pair (“M-PxL” and “M-PxU”)
2. Switch to the Memory mode by pressing the V/M key once, then rotate the DIAL to select the Memory channel “MPxL” or “M-PxU”.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS,
SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.
4. Press the [C](PMS) key. The “PMS-x” indication will appear at the upper left corner of the LCD, signifying that the
PMS feature is engaged. Tuning and scanning (by pressing the [A](SCN) key on the Multi Function Row “g” [SCN,
PRI, DW]) are now limited within the range between the selected PMS memory pair, keeping operation inside this
programmed range.
Example:Limit tuning & scanning to the frequency range 144.30 - 148.00 MHz
1. Press the V/M key, as necessary, to recall the VFO mode. Tune the MEM/VFO CH or DIAL knob to
144.300 MHz.
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW,
SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.
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3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then turn the MEM/VFO CH knob to select memory channel “M-P1L.”
4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second to write the VFO frequency into “M-P1L.”
5. Now, tune the MEM/VFO CH or DIAL knob to 148.000 MHz.
Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then turn the MEM/VFO CH knob to select memory channel “M-P1U.”
6. Press and hold the [A](MW) key for one second to write the VFO frequency into “M-P1U.”
7. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to recall Multi Function Row
“f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS].
7. Press the [C](PMS) key momentarily. Tuning and scanning are now limited to the 144.30 - 148.00 MHz range until
you press the V/M key to return to memory or VFO operation.
Dual Watch Operation
Dual Watch is similar, in some respects, to scanning. In Dual Watch, however, the transceiver monitors (squelched) on the
VFO-A frequency while periodically checking VFO-B for activity (or vice-versa). A typical example might be for you to
set VFO-A to 50.110 MHz, watching for DX stations who might call CQ on that frequency, while periodically checking
28.885 MHz for stations reporting band openings on 6 meters.
To activate Dual Watch:
1. Set up transmit and receive operation on VFO-A, establishing your primary monitoring frequency. Set
up the frequency to be checked periodically on VFO-B.
2. Recall VFO-A, then rotate the SQL control until the background noise is just silenced.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “g” [SCN,
PRI, DW] appears on the display.
4. Press the [C](DW) key momentarily to activate Dual Watch operation (the “D” icon will appear at the upper of the
frequency display). The transceiver will continue to monitor (squelched) on the current (VFO-A) frequency, but every
five seconds will switch briefly to VFO-B frequency, looking for activity.
5. If a station is detected on the VFO-B frequency, the transceiver will pause on the VFO-B frequency (the decimal point
in the frequency will blink).
6. Press the [C](DW) key again to cancel Dual Watch operation (the “D” icon will disappear).
Note that pressing the PTT switch on the microphone does not cancel Dual Watch operation.
Miscellaneous Settings
CW Training Feature
The FT-857 provides a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code five-character groups via the sidetone
(heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency whether or not the bands are open.
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
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2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-031 [CW TRAINING].
3. Rotate the DIAL to select the Training mode:
N:
Numeric characters only
A:
Alphabet characters only
AN: Numeric and Alphabet characters (Mixed)
4. Press the [B](STRT) key to begin generation of the five-character code groups (CW sidetone only, does not key the
transmitter).
5. When the code group is completed, code, the “Answer” will appear on the display.
6. Press the [B](STRT) key to generate another code group, as above.
7. To disable the CW Training feature, press and holding the [F] key for one second to exit to normal operation.
You may adjust the Morse speed by the Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].
Programming the Panel Key Functions
The Function ([A], [B], [C]) keys in Multi Function Row “q” [PG A, PG B, PG C], may each be assigned the function of a
particular key. These may be used to create a custom set of “hot keys” to often-used functions from other Multi Function
Rows.
To assign the key functions:
1. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode corresponding to the key to be assigned a function (No-065:
[PG A] key, No-066: [PG B] key, No-067: [PG C] key.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the feature or function you wish to assigned to the key.
4. When you have completed the set-up, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.
Beacon Feature
The FT-857’s unique “Beacon” feature allow you to set up the transceiver to send a repetitive message. For example, on a
DX-pedition, the FT-857 beacon might be activated on a 50 MHz frequency, to alert DXers as to possible band openings.
Beacon Text Storage
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-011 [BEACON TEXT 1].
3. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable storage of the Beacon Text (the first character location will be underlined).
4. Rotate the DIAL to select the first character (number or letter) in the Beacon Text you wish to store, then rotate the
MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to move to the next character.
5. Repeat step 4 as many times as necessary to complete the Beacon Text.
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ρ
If the Beacon Text is less than 40 characters long, add the “RETURN” mark after the last character to terminate
the text, then press the MEM/VFO CH knob.
ρ
If the Beacon Text is more than 40 characters long, but less than 79, set the last (40th) character to be “” press
the MEM/VFO CH knob, then rotate the DIAL to select “BEACON TEXT 2.” Now repeat step 4.
ρ
If the Beacon Text is more than 79 characters long, up to 118 characters may be stored. In this case, set the final
character slot in “BEACON TEXT 2” to be “” press the MEM/VFO CH knob, then rotate the DIAL to select
“BEACON TEXT 3.” Now repeat step 4.
ρ Do not forget to install the “RETURN” mark after the last character, to terminate the text.
6. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second until you hear a double beep; the second beep confirms
that the Beacon text was successfully stored.
Beacon Transmission (On the Air)
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-012 [BEACON TIME].
3. Rotate the DIAL to select the interval time (between message and message) (1 ~ 255 seconds).
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to exit to normal operation.
5. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “o” [PLY1,
PLY2, PLY3] appears on the display.
6. Press the [A](PLY1) key to activate the Beacon Feature.
NOTE: When using the “beacon” feature, please disable the “VOX” feature.
If you press [B](PLY2) or [C](PLY3), the message will be transmitted, after which the transmission will halt.
Operationally, these two keys function the same as a traditional CW message keyer.
7. To disable the transmission from the Beacon, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL to select “OFF” in
step 3 above.
You may adjust the CW speed using Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].
You may also send the Beacon Text manually. If this is done, all three “Beacon” messages may be used as a traditional
CW message keyer. To do this:
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-012 [BEACON TIME].
3. Rotate the DIAL to select “OFF.”
4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to exit to normal operation.
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5. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “o” [PLY1,
PLY2, PLY3] appears on the display.
6. Press the [A](PLY1) key momentarily to send the “BEACON TEXT 1” message.
Alternatively, pressing the [B](PLY2) or [C](PLY3) key will initiate the message at those respective
break points.
Display Lamp Mode
Display Customization
The FT-857 illumination lamp has four options for activation of the illumination.
To set up the Lamp mode:
1. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-044 [DISP MODE].
3. Rotate the DIAL knob select the desired mode. Available selections are:
OFF:
Disables the LCD illumination.
AUTO1:
Illuminates the LCD for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH
knob.
AUTO2:
Illuminates the LCD continuously while the FT-857 is operating on an external power supply. When
using the FNB-78 internal battery in the AUTO2 mode, the LCD will light up for three seconds when
any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob (identical to AUTO1 mode).
ON:
Illuminates the LCD continuously.
4. When you have completed your selection, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the
Menu mode.
Display Contrast
The LCD’s contrast may be adjusted using the Menu Mode, as well.
1. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-042 [DISP CONTRAST].
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the contrast. As you make the adjustment, you will be able to see the effects of you
changes.
4. When you have completed the adjustment, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.
Display Dimmer
The LCD illumination may also be adjusted using the Menu Mode.
1. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-043 [DISP INTENSITY].
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the display illumination for a comfortable brightness level. As you make the
adjustment, you will be able to see the effects of you changes.
4. When you have completed the adjustment, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.
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Display Color
The LCD color may be changed using the Menu Mode for different operating status conditions. For example, the display
may be configured to show a different color accord-ing to ARTS status, by Band, by Memory Group, by
VFO/Memory/HOME/QMB status, or may be set to indicate different colors according to meter indication (i.e. signal
strength, power output, etc.). Two banks (“1” and “2”) of color combination patterns are available for all selections except
“FIX.”
1. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to activate the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-041 [DISP COLOR].
3. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired operating status which you wish utilize. The default selections are:
ARTS:
The color changes depending on the “In Range” or “Out of Range” status.
BAND:
The color changes according to the Band in use.
FIX:
This is a fixed color.
MEMGRP:
The color changes according to the selected Memory Group.
MODE:
The color changes according to the selected Mode.
MTR:
The color changes according to the S-meter, PWR-meter, MOD-meter, SWR-meter, or ALC-meter
reading.
VFO:
The color changes according to the VFO/Memory/HOME/QMB status.
4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL to select the desired color bank to
be utilized in conjunction with the selection made in step 3.
5. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL to select the desired color to be utilized for this
function, in place of the default color.
6. When you have completed your selection(s), press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.
Menu Operation
The Menu System allows you to customize a wide variety of transceiver performance aspects and operating
characteristics. Once you have gone through the various Menu customization procedures initially, you will find that you
will not have to resort to them frequently during everyday operation.
Menu Operation
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second. The Menu Item number and a title for the Menu Mode
will appear in the display.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the Menu Item you wish to work on.
3. When you have chosen the desired Menu Item number, rotate the DIAL knob to change the value or condition for the
Menu Item.
4. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
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the normal operation.
1) In step 3 above, if you press the [HOME] key momentarily, it will reset the setting of that Menu Item to its factorydefault value.
2) In step 4 above, if you press the [C] key momentarily, you will exit to normal operation without saving the new setting.
3) In step 2 above, press the [A] key momentarily, The “hyphen” in the Menu channel number will change to become a
“dot” this shows that this Menu now is not included in the recall the Menu Item loop.
No
Menu Item
Function
Available Values
Default
001
EXT MENU
Enables/Disables the extended Menu Mode.
ON/OFF
OFF
002
144MHz ARS
Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature
ON/OFF
*1
ON/OFF
*1
ENABLE/
DISABLE
when operating on the 144 MHz band.
003
430MHz ARS
Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature
when operating on the 430 MHz band.
004
AM&FM DIAL
Enabling/disabling the DIAL knob on the AM and FM modes.
DISABLE
005
AM MIC GAIN
Adjusts the microphone gain level for the AM mode.
0 ~ 100
50
006
AM STEP
Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob on the
2.5/5/9/10/12.5/
*1
AM mode.
25kHz
007
APO TIME
Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before power goes off).
OFF/1h ~ 6h
OFF
008
ARTS BEEP
Selects the ARTS beep mode.
OFF/RANGE/ALL
RANGE
009
ARTS ID
Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS operation.
ON/OFF
OFF
010
ARTS IDW
Stores your callsign into the CW identifier.
–
YAESU
011
BEACON TEXT 1
Stores the message for the Beacon.
–
–
012
BEACON TIME
Selects the interval time (between message and message).
OFF/1 sec ~ 255 sec
OFF
013
BEEP TONE
Selects the beep frequency.
440/880/1760 Hz
880 Hz
014
BEEP VOL
Selects the beep volume level.
0 ~ 100
50
015
CAR LSB R
Sets the Rx Carrier Point for LSB.
–300 ~ +300 Hz
0 Hz
016
CAR LSB T
Sets the Tx Carrier Point for LSB
–300 ~ +300 Hz
0 Hz
017
CAR USB R
Sets the Rx Carrier Point for USB
–300 ~ +300 Hz
0 Hz
018
CAR USB T
Sets the Tx Carrier Point for USB
–300 ~ +300 Hz
0 Hz
019
CAT RATE
Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the CAT baud rate to be
4800bps/9600bps/
4800bps
used.
38400bps
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020
021
CAT/LIN/TUN
CLAR DIAL SEL
Selects the device which is connected to the CAT/LINEAR
CAT/LINEAR/
CAT
jack on the rear panel.
TUNER
Defines the “control” knob to be used for setting of the
CLAR, M/V, MAIN
CLAR
ON/OFF
OFF
clarifier offset frequency.
022
CW
AUTO
Selects whether the KEY jack shall be “Enabled” or
MODE
“Disabled” while using the SSB/FM modes.
023
CW BFO
Sets the CW carrier oscillator injection side on the CW mode.
USB/LSB/AUTO
USB
024
CW DELAY
Sets the receiver recovery time during pseudo-VOX CW
FULL/
250 msec
semi-break-in operation.
30 ~ 3000 msec
Sets the keyer paddle’s wiring configuration.
NORMAL/
025
CW KEY REV
NORMAL
REVERSE
026
CW PADDLE
Enables/disables
CW
keying
by
the
microphone’s
ELEKEY/MICKEY
ELEKEY
400 ~ 800 Hz
700 Hz
10/15/20/25/30 ms
10 ms
[UP]/[DWN] keys.
027
CW PITCH
Setting of the pitch of the CW sidetone, BFO offset, and CW
filter center frequencies.
028
CW QSK
Selects the time delay between when the PTT is keyed and the
carrier is transmitted during QSK operation when using the
internal keyer.
029
CW SIDE TONE
Setting of the CW sidetone volume level.
0 ~ 100
550
030
CW SPEED
Sets the sending speed for the built-in Electronic keyer.
4 ~ 60 wpm
12
(1wpm/step)/
wpm(60
20 ~ 300 cpm
cpm)
(5cpm/step)
031
CW TRAINING
Sends random Morse Code five-character groups via the
N, A, AN
1:3.0
sidetone.
032
CW WEIGHT
Sets the Dot:Dash ratio for the built-in electronic keyer.
1:2.5 ~ 1:4.5
033
DCS CODE
Setting of the DCS code.
104
Standard
DCS
023
codes
034
DCS INV
Selects “Normal” or “Inverted” DCS coding.
Tn-Rn/Tn-Riv/
Tn-Rn
Tiv-Rn/Tiv-Riv
035
DIAL STEP
Setting of the DIAL knob’s tuning speed.
FINE/COARSE
FINE
036
DIG DISP
Defines the displayed frequency offset during DIG (USER-L
–3000 ~ +3000 Hz
0 Hz
or USER-U) mode operation.
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037
DIG GAIN
Adjusts the audio input level from terminal equipment during
0 ~ 100
50
RTTY-L/RTTY-U/
RTTY-L
DIG (Digital) mode operation.
038
DIG MODE
Selects the mode and sideband in the DIG (Digital) mode.
PSK31-L/
PSK31-U/USER-L/
USER-U
039
DIG SHIFT
Defines the carrier frequency offset during DIG (USER-L or
–3000 ~ +3000 Hz
0 Hz
0 ~ 100
USER-U) mode operation.
040
DIG VOX
Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input level for the DIG
mode.
041
DISP COLOR
Selects the illumination color for each operating status.
–
–
042
DISP CONTRAST
Setting of the display contrast level.
0 ~ 13
043
DISP INTENSITY
Setting of the display brightness level.
0 (Dim) ~
3 (Bright)
044
DISP MODE
Sets up the LCD Lamp mode.
OFF/AUTO1/
AUTO2
AUTO2/ON
045
DSP BPF WIDTH
Setting of the bandwidth for the DSP CW audio filter.
60/120/240 Hz
240 Hz
046
DSP
HPF
Adjusts the low-cut characteristics of the DSP HPF filter.
100 ~ 1000 Hz
100 Hz
LPF
Adjusts the high-cut characteristics of the DSP LPF filter.
1000 ~ 6000 Hz
6000 Hz
Sets the DSP microphone equalization pattern.
OFF/LPF/HPF/
OFF
CUTOFF
047
DSP
CUTOFF
048
DSP MIC EQ
BOTH
049
DSP NR LEVEL
Setting of the degree of DSP Noise Reduction.
1 ~ 16
050
EMERGENCY
Enables Tx/Rx operation on the Alaska Emergency Channel,
ON/OFF
OFF
5167.5 kHz.
051
FM MIC GAIN
Adjusts the microphone gain level for the FM mode.
0 ~ 100
50
052
FM STEP
Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob in the
5/6.25/10/12.5/
*2
FM mode.
15/20/25/50 kHz
Enables/disables the moving of HOME channel data to the
ON/OFF
ON
DIAL/FREQ/
DIAL
053
HOME-->VFO
VFO.
054
LOCK MODE
Selects the operation of the front panel’s LOCK key.
PANEL/ALL
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055
MEM GROUP
Enables/disables the memory grouping feature.
ON/OFF
OFF
056
MEM TAG
Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the memory channels.
–
–
057
MEM/VFO DIAL
Selects the function which is engaged when you press the
W SIDETONE,
MHz/ME
MODE
MEM/VFO CH knob.
CW SPEED,
M GRP
MHz/MEM GRP,
MIC GAIN,
NB LEVEL,
RF POWER,
STEP
058
MIC SCAN
Enables/disables scanning access via the microphone’s
ON/OFF
ON
[UP]/[DWN] keys.
059
MIC SEL
The choice of the equipment which connects to the MIC jack.
NOR/RMT/CAT
NOR
060
MTR ARX SEL
Select the meter display configuration while the transceiver is
SIG, CTR, VLT, N/A,
SIG
receiving.
FS, OFF
Selects the meter display configuration while the transceiver
PWR,
is transmitting.
SWR, VLT, N/A, OFF
Enabling/disabling of the “peak hold” function of the meter.
ON/OFF
ON
061
062
MTR ATX SEL
MTR
PEAK
ALC,
MOD,
PWR
HOLD
063
NB LEVEL
Setting of the blanking level for the IF Noise Blanker.
0 ~ 100
50
064
OP FILTER 1
Not available at this time.
–
–
065
PG A
Programming the [A] key (in the Operating Function Row 17)
All Multi Function, all
MONI
function.
Menu Item, MONI,
Programming the [B] key (in the Operating Function Row 17)
Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC
function.
and USER.
066
067
PG B
PG C
Q.SPL
ATC
Programming the [C] key (in the Operating Function Row 17)
function.
068
PG ACC
Not available at this time.
–
–
069
PG P1
Not available at this time.
–
–
070
PG P2
Not available at this time.
–
–
071
PKT 1200
Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 1200 bps
0 ~ 100
50
0 ~ 100
50
Packet operation.
072
PKT 9600
Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 9600 bps
Packet operation.
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073
PKT RATE
Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the Packet baud rate to be
1200/9600 (bps)
1200 bps
0 ~ 100
50
used.
074
PROC LEVEL
Sets the compression level for the AF speech processor in the
SSB/AM modes.
075
RF POWER SET
Setting of the maximum power level for the current band.
5 ~ 100
100
076
RPT SHIFT
Sets the magnitude of the repeater shift.
00
*2
077
SCAN MODE
Selects the desired Scan-Resume mode.
TIME/BUSY/STOP
TIME
078
SCAN RESUME
Sets the delay time for scanning resumption.
1 ~ 10 (sec)
5 sec
079
SPLIT TONE
Enables/disables split CTCSS/DCS cording.
ON/OFF
OFF
080
SQL/RF GAIN
Selects the configuration of the front panel’s SQL/RF knob.
RF-GAIN/SQL
*1
081
SSB MIC GAIN
Adjusts the microphone gain level for the SSB mode.
0 ~ 100
50
082
SSB STEP
Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob on the
1kHz/2.5kHz/5kHz
2.5 kHz
50 Standard CTCSS
88.5 Hz
~99.99 (MHz)
SSB mode.
083
TONE FREQ
Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
tones
084
TOT TIME
Select the Automatic Power Off time.
OFF/1 ~
OFF
20 (min)
085
TUNER/ATAS
Selects the device (FC-30 or ATAS-100/-120) to be
OFF/ATAS(HF)/ATA
controlled via the front panel’s [A](TUNE) key.
S(HF&50)
OFF
/ATAS(ALL)/
TUNER
086
TX IF FILTER
Selects the Transmit IF filter.
CFIL/FIL1/FIL2
CFIL
087
VOX DELAY
Sets the “hang time” for the VOX circuitry.
100 ~ 3000 (ms)
500 ms
088
VOX GAIN
Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input audio detector.
1 ~ 100
50
089
XVTR A FREQ
Allows an arbitrary frequency to be set on the display, to
00,000,00 ~ 99,999,99
–
090
XVTR B FREQ
allow direct frequency readout during transverter operation.
(kHz)
–
091
XVTR SEL
Enables/disables/selects the antenna port to be used for
OFF/X VTR A/
OFF
Transverter operation.
X VTR B
*1: Depends Mon transceiver version.
* 2: Depends on operating band and transceiver version.
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MENU MODE No-001 [EXT MENU]
Function: Enables/Disables the extended Menu Mode.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: OFF
MENU MODE Nox002 [144 MHz ARS]
Function: Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature when operating on the 144 MHz band.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON (depending on transceiver version)
MENU MODE Nox003 [430 MHz ARS]
Function: Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature when operating on the 430 MHz band.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON (depending on transceiver version)
MENU MODE Nox004 [AM&FM DIAL]
Function: Enabling/disabling of the DIAL knob on the AM and FM modes.
Available Values: ENABLE/DISABLE
Default: DISABLE
MENU MODE No-005 [AM MIC GAIN]
Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the AM mode.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE No-006 [AM STEP]
Function: Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob on the AM mode.
Available Values: 2.5/5/9/10/12.5/25kHz
Default: 5 kHz (depending on transceiver version)
MENU MODE No-007 [APO TIME]
Function: Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before power goes off).
Available Values: OFF/1h ~ 6h
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Default: OFF
MENU MODE Nox008 [ARTS BEEP]
Function: Selects the ARTS beep mode.
Available Values: OFF/RANGE/ALL
Default: RANGE
OFF:
No alert beeps sound; you must look at the display to determine current ARTS status.
RANGE:
A high tone beep will sound when the transceiver first detects that you are within range, and a low beep will
sound when the other station goes out of range.
ALL:
A high tone beep will sound every time a polling transmission is received from the other station, and a low
beep will sound once when the other station goes out of range.
MENU MODE Nox009 [ARTS ID]
Function: Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS operation.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: OFF
MENU MODE Nox010 [ARTS IDW]
Function: Stores your callsign into the CW identifier. Up to ten characters may be stored. The storage procedure is as
follows:
1. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily to initiate callsign storage (the first character location of
the callsign will be underlined).
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of your callsign, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click
clockwise to save the first letter/number and move to the next entry position.
3. Repeat the previous step as many times as necessary to complete your callsign.
4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to save your completed callsign and exit.
Default: YAESU
MENU MODE Nox011 [BEACON TEXT 1]
Function: Stores the message for the Beacon. Up to 40 characters may be stored. The storage procedure is as follows:
1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-011 [BEACON TEXT 1].
3. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable storage of the Beacon Text (the first character location will be underlined).
4. Rotate the DIAL to select the first character (number or letter) in the Beacon Text you wish to store, then rotate the
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MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to move to the next character.
5. Repeat step 4 as many times as necessary to complete the Beacon Text.
If the Beacon Text is less than 40 characters or more than 40 characters, see page 50 for details.
MENU MODE Nox012 [BEACON TIME]
Function: Selects the interval time (between message and message).
Available Values: OFF/1 sec ~ 255 sec
Default: OFF
MENU MODE Nox013 [BEEP TONE]
Function: Selects the beep frequency.
Available Values: 440/880/1760 Hz
Default: 880 Hz
MENU MODE No-014 [BEEP VOL]
Function: Selects the beep volume level.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
Press the [B] key to monitor the level during adjustment.
MENU MODE Nox015 [CAR LSB R]
Function: Sets the Rx Carrier Point for LSB.
Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz
Default: 0 Hz
MENU MODE Nox016 [CAR LSB T]
Function: Sets the Tx Carrier Point for LSB
Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz
Default: 0 Hz
MENU MODE Nox017 [CAR USB R]
Function: Sets the Rx Carrier Point for USB
Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz
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Default: 0 Hz
MENU MODE Nox018 [CAR USB T]
Function: Sets the Tx Carrier Point for USB
Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz
Default: 0 Hz
MENU MODE Nox019 [CAT RATE]
Function: Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the CAT baud rate to be used.
Available Values: 4800bps/9600bps/38400bps
Default: 4800bps
MENU MODE Nox020 [CAT/LIN/TUN]
Function: Selects the device which is connected to the CAT/LINEAR jack on the rear panel.
Available Values: CAT/LINEAR/TUNER
Default: CAT
MENU MODE Nox021 [CLAR DIAL SEL]
Function: Defines the “control” knob to be used for setting of the clarifier offset frequency.
Available Values: CLAR, M/V, MAIN (Clarifier/Selector/Main Dial Knobs)
Default: CLAR
MENU MODE No-022 [CW AUTO MODE]
Function: Selects whether the KEY jack shall be “Enabled” or “Disabled” while using the SSB/FM modes.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: OFF
OFF:
The KEY jack is enabled on the CW mode only.
ON:
The KEY jack is enabled on all modes (SSB mode: A1, FM mode: F2). Thus, on SSB, you can ask a station for
a CW QSO without having to change your FT-857’s Mode selection, if Menu #022 is set to “On.”
MENU MODE Nox023 [CW BFO]
Function: Sets the CW carrier oscillator injection side on the CW mode.
Available Values: USB/LSB/AUTO
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Default: USB
USB:
Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the USB side
LSB:
Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the LSB side
AUTO:
Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the LSB side while operating on the 10 MHz band and below, USB side
while operate on the 10 MHz band and up.
MENU MODE No-024 [CW DELAY]
Function: Sets the receiver recovery time during pseudo-VOX CW semi-break-in operation.
Available Values: FULL/30 ~ 3000 msec
Default: 250 msec
The recovery time may be adjusted in steps of 10 msec. A longer delay may be preferable if you pause frequently while
sending.
MENU MODE Nox025 [CW KEY REV]
Function: Sets the keyer paddle’s wiring configuration.
Available Values: NORMAL/REVERSE
Default: NORMAL
NORMAL:
Keyer paddle polarity is normal. The “tip” plug connection produces dots, and the “ring” plug connection
produces dashes.
REVERSE:
Keyer paddle polarity is inverted. The “tip” paddle produces dashes, and the “ring” paddle produces dots.
MENU MODE Nox026 [CW PADDLE]
Function: Enables/disables CW keying by the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys.
Available Values: ELEKEY/MICKEY
Default: ELEKEY
When this Menu Item is set to “MICKEY,” press the microphone’s [UP] key to send a “d ot,” and press the microphone’s
[DWN] key to send a “dash” (while the built-in electronic keyer is engaged).
MENU MODE No-027 [CW PITCH]
Function: Setting of the pitch of the CW sidetone, BFO offset, and CW filter center frequencies.
Available Values: 400 ~ 800 Hz
Default: 700 Hz
The CW pitch may be adjusted in steps of 100 Hz.
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MENU MODE Nox028 [CW QSK]
Function: Selects the time delay between when the PTT is keyed and the carrier is transmitted during QSK operation
when using the internal keyer.
Available Values: 10/15/20/25/30 ms
Default: 10 ms
Note: If you select “25 (or 30) ms,” please do not attempt to set Menu [No-030 CW SPEED] to a speed faster than “50
(42) wpm,” as the delay will make it impossible to transmit.
MENU MODE No-029 [CW SIDE TONE]
Function: Setting of the CW sidetone volume level.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE No-030 [CW SPEED]
Function: Sets the sending speed for the built-in Electronic keyer.
Available Values: 4wpm ~ 60 wpm (1wpm/step)/20cpm ~ 300 cpm (5cpm/step)
Default: 12 wpm (60 cpm)
You can set the sending speed according to either of two units of speed (wpm: words per minute; cpm: characters per
minute)
To switch units between “wpm” and “cpm,” just press the MEM/VFO CH knob.
MENU MODE Nox031 [CW TRAINING]
Function: Sends random Morse Code five-character groups via the sidetone.
Available Values: N / A / AN
Default:
N:
Numeric characters only
A:
Alphabet characters only
AN:
Numeric and Alphabet characters (Mixed)
MENU MODE Nox032 [CW WEIGHT]
Function: Sets the Dot:Dash ratio for the built-in electronic keyer.
Available Values: 1:2.5 ~ 1:4.5
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Default: 1:3.0
MENU MODE No-033 [DCS CODE]
Function: Setting of the DCS code.
Available Values: 104 Standard DCS codes
Default: 023
You can set the DSC codes for Encode and Decode separately.
To switch between “ENCODE” and “DECODE,” just press the MEM/VFO CH knob.
MENU MODE Nox034 [DCS INV]
Function: Selects “Normal” or “Inverted” DCS coding.
Available Values: Tn-Rn/Tn-Riv/Tiv-Rn/Tiv-Riv
Default: Tn-Rn
“n” = “normal”
“iv” = “inverted”
MENU MODE No-035 [DIAL STEP]
Function: Setting of the DIAL knob’s tuning speed.
Available Values: FINE/COARSE
Default: FINE
You may choose between two speeds for the DIAL knob. Selecting “COARSE” doubles the tuning rate compared to the
default value.
FINE:
10 Hz/step @SSB/CW mode, 100 Hz/step @AM/FM
COARSE:
20 Hz/step @SSB/CW mode, 200 Hz/step @AM/FM
MENU MODE Nox036 [DIG DISP]
Function: Defines the displayed frequency offset during DIG (USER-L or USER-U) mode operation.
Available Values: –3000 ~ +3000 Hz
Default: 0 Hz
MENU MODE Nox037 [DIG GAIN]
Function: Adjusts the audio input level from terminal equipment (such as a TNC or PSK-31 sound card) during DIG
(Digital) mode operation.
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Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE Nox038 [DIG MODE]
Function: Selects the mode and sideband (if applicable) in the DIG (Digital) mode.
Available Values: RTTY-L/RTTY-U/PSK31-L/PSK31-U/USER-L/USER-U
Default: RTTY-L
RTTY-L:
AFSK RTTY operation on the LSB mode
RTTY-U:AFSK RTTY operation on the USB mode
PSK31-L:
PSK-31 operation on the LSB mode
PSK31-U:
PSK-31 operation on the USB mode
USER-L: User-programmed costume operation based on LSB mode
USER-U: User-programmed costume operation based on USB mode
In the USER-L and USER-U modes, you can define the display frequency offset and carrier frequency offset by Menu
Mode No-036 [DIG DISP] and No-039 [DIG SHIFT].
MENU MODE Nox039 [DIG SHIFT]
Function: Defines the carrier frequency offset during DIG (USER-L or USER-U) mode operation.
Available Values: –3000 ~ +3000 Hz
Default: 0 Hz
MENU MODE Nox040 [DIG VOX]
Function: Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input level for the DIG mode.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 0
Note: When you wish to use “DIG VOX,” press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, until you
reach Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX], then press the [C](VOX) key. The parentheses and “VOX”
icon will disappear, signifying that the (SSB/AM/FM voice) VOX system has been turned off. Despite these
indicators having disappeared, the Digital Mode “VOX” system will still be active, allowing audio input from a
TNC or sound card to engage the transmitter.
MENU MODE No-041 [DISP COLOR]
Function: Selects the illumination color for each operating status.
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Available Values: ARTS/BAND/FIX/MEMGRP/MODE/MTR/VFO
Default: FIX
MENU MODE No-042 [DISP CONTRAST]
Function: Setting of the display contrast level.
Available Values: 1 ~ 13
Default: 5
MENU MODE No-043 [DISP INTENSITY]
Function: Setting of the display brightness level.
Available Values: 0 (Dim) ~ 3 (Bright)
Default: 3
MENU MODE Nox044 [DISP MODE]
Function: Sets up the LCD Lamp mode.
Available Values: OFF/AUTO1/AUTO2/ON
Default: AUTO2
OFF:
Disables the LCD illumination.
AUTO1:
Illuminates the LCD for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob.
AUTO2:
Illuminates the LCD continuously while the FT-857 is operating on an external power supply. When using the
FNB-78 internal battery in the AUTO2 mode, the LCD will light up for three seconds when any button is
pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob (identical to AUTO1 mode).
ON:
Illuminates the LCD continuously.
MENU MODE No-045 [DSP BPF WIDTH]
Function: Setting of the bandwidth for the DSP CW audio filter.
Available Values: 60/120/240 Hz
Default: 240
MENU MODE No-046 [DSP HPF CUTOFF]
Function: Adjusts the low-cut characteristics of the DSP HPF filter.
Available Values: 100/160/220/280/340/400/460/520/580/640/700/760/820/880/940/1000 (Hz)
Default: 100
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This Menu Item determines the low-cut frequency of the DSP HPF filter in the SSB, AM, and FM modes. Generally,
acceptable voice fidelity will be obtained only if you do not set this parameter much above 400 Hz.
MENU MODE No-047 [DSP LPF CUTOFF]
Function: Adjusts the high-cut characteristics of the DSP LPF filter.
Available Values:1000/1160/1320/1480/1650/1800/1970/2130/2290/2450/2610/2770/2940/
3100/3260/3420/3580/3740/3900/4060/4230/4390/4550/4710/4870/5030/5190/5390/5520/5680/5840/6000 (Hz)
Default: 6000
This Menu Item determines the high-cut frequency of the DSP LPF filter in the SSB, AM, and FM modes. Best voicemode interference rejection will usually be obtained with a setting of between 2130 and 2770 Hz.
MENU MODE No-048 [DSP MIC EQ]
Function: Sets the DSP microphone equalization pattern.
Available Values: OFF/LPF/HPF/BOTH
Default: OFF
OFF:
This function is disabled.
LPF:
Lower frequencies are emphasized.
HPF:
Higher frequencies are emphasized.
BOTH:
Mid-range frequencies are emphasized.
MENU MODE No-049 [DSP NR LEVEL]
Function: Setting of the degree of DSP Noise Reduction.
Available Values: 1 ~ 16
Default: 8
MENU MODE Nox050 [EMERGENCY]: USA Version only
Function: Enables Tx/Rx operation on the Alaska Emergency Channel, 5167.5 kHz.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: OFF
When this Menu Item is set to “ON,” the spot frequency of 5167.5 kHz will be enabled. To get to this frequency, use the
MEM/VFO CH knob to navigate; the Alaska Emergency Channel will be found between the Memory channel “M-P20U”
and “M-001.”
Use of this frequency is restricted to amateurs operating in (or within 92.6 km of) the U.S. State of Alaska, and it is to be
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used for emergency communications only (involving the immediate protection of life or property).
MENU MODE Nox051 [FM MIC GAIN]
Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the FM mode.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE No-052 [FM STEP]
Function: Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob in the FM mode.
Available Values: 5/6.25/10/12.5/15/20/25/50 kHz
Default: Depends on operating band and transceiver version.
MENU MODE Nox053 [HOME ⇑ VFO]
Function: Enables/disables the moving of HOME channel data to the VFO.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON
Recall the HOME channel, then rotate the “DIAL” or “MEM/VFO CH” knob.
The data will now have been copied to the current VFO, although the original HOME contents will remain intact on the
previously-stored HOME channel.
MENU MODE Nox054 [LOCK MODE]
Function: Selects the operation of the front panel’s LOCK key.
Available Values: DIAL/FREQ/PANEL/ALL
Default: DIAL
DIAL:
Locks the DIAL knob only.
FREQ:
Locks the front panel keys and knobs related to frequency control (such as BAND(UP) and BAND(DWN) key,
[A](A/B) key., etc.)
PANEL:
Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and LOCK keys)
ALL:
Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and LOCK keys) and microphone keys.
MENU MODE Nox055 [MEM GROUP]
Function: Enables/disables the memory grouping feature.
Available Values: OFF/ON
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Default: OFF
When this Menu Item is set to “ON,” the 200 “standard” memory channels are partitioned into ten Memory Groups, each
holding up to 20 memory channels.
MENU MODE Nox056 [MEM TAG]
Function: Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the memory channels.
Up to eight characters may be stored. The storage procedure is as follows:
1. Recall the memory channel onto which you wish to appended a label.
2. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
3. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG].
4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable the programming of the label.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first character (number, letter, or symbol) in the name you with to store, then
rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob clockwise to move to the next character.
6. Again rotate the DIAL knob to select the next number, letter, or symbol, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob
clockwise to move to the next character’s slot.
7. Repeat step 6 as many times as necessary to complete the name tag for the memory, then press and hold in the [F] key
for one second to save the A/N (Alpha-Numeric) name entry and exit to normal operation.
8. During Memory operation, press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi
Function Row “b” [MW, MCLR, TAG] appears on the display. Press the [C](TAG) key momentarily to activate the
alpha-numeric Tag. Repeatedly pressing this key will toggle operation between “Frequency” display and “Tag”
display.
You can recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] instantly by pressing and holding in the [C](TAG) key for one second.
MENU MODE Nox057 [MEM/VFO DIAL MODE]
Function: Selects the function which is engaged when you press the MEM/VFO CH knob.
Available Values: CW SIDETONE, CW SPEED, MHz/MEM GRP, MIC GAIN, NB LEVEL, RF POWER/STEP
Default: MHz/MEM GRP
MENU MODE Nox058 [MIC SCAN]
Function: Enables/disables scanning access via the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys.
Available Values: OFF/ON
Default: ON
MENU MODE Nox059 [MIC SEL]
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Function: The choice of the equipment which connects to the MIC jack.
Available Values: NOR/RMT/CAT
Default: NOR
NOR:
Normal Microphone.
RMT:
Not available at this time.
CAT:
CAT system: if you are using the optional FC-30 antenna tuner, you can still use the CAT system by connecting
the serial Data cable to the MIC jack.
MENU MODE Nox060 [MTR ARX SEL]
Function: Select the meter display configuration while the transceiver is receiving.
Available Values: SIG, CTR, VLT, N/A, FS, OFF
Default: SIG
SIG:
Indicates the incoming signal strength.
CTR: Discriminator center meter.
VLT: Indicates the battery voltage.
N/A:
Not available at this time.
FS:
Applies a calibration signal (1 mA for full scale) at the METER Jack on the transceiver bottom, for adjustment of
an external meter’s calibration.
You may adjust the external potentiometer in your metering system so that the external meter reading is full scale.
OFF:
Disables the meter.
MENU MODE Nox061 [MTR ATX SEL]
Function: Selects the meter display configuration while the transceiver is transmitting.
Available Values: PWR, ALC, MOD, SWR, VLT, N/A, OFF
Default: PWR
PWR:
Indicates the relative transmit power.
ALC:
Indicates the relative Automatic Level Control voltage.
MOD:
Indicates the deviation level.
SWR:
Indicates the Standing Wave Ratio (forward:reflected).
VLT:
Indicates the battery voltage.
N/A:
Not available at this time.
OFF:
Disables the meter.
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MENU MODE No-062 [MTR PEAK HOLD]
Function: Enabling/disabling of the “peak hold” function of the meter.
Available Values: OFF/ON
Default: ON
MENU MODE No-063 [NB LEVEL]
Function: Setting of the blanking level for the IF Noise Blanker.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE Nox064 [OP FILTER 1]
Not available at this time.
MENU MODE Nox065 [PG A]
Function: Programming the [A] key (in the Operating Function Row 17) function.
Available Values: All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and USER.
Default: MONI
MENU MODE Nox066 [PG B]
Function: Programming the [B] key (in the Operating Function Row 17) function.
Available Values: All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and USER.
Default: Q.SPL
MENU MODE Nox067 [PG C]
Function: Programming the [C] key (in the Operating Function Row 17) function.
Available Values: All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and USER.
Default: ATC
MENU MODE Nox068 [PG ACC]
Not available at this time.
MENU MODE Nox069 [PG P1]
Not available at this time.
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MENU MODE Nox070 [PG P2]
Not available at this time.
MENU MODE Nox071 [PKT1200]
Function: Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 1200 bps Packet operation.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE Nox072 [PKT9600]
Function: Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 9600 bps Packet operation.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE Nox073 [PKT RATE]
Function: Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the Packet baud rate to be used.
Available Values: 1200/9600 (bps)
Default: 1200 (bps)
MENU MODE No-074 [PROC LEVEL]
Function: Sets the compression level for the AF speech processor in the SSB/AM modes.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE No-075 [RF POWER SET]
Function: Setting of the maximum power level for the current band.
Available Values: 5 ~ 100
Default: 100
MENU MODE No-076 [RPT SHIFT]
Function: Sets the magnitude of the repeater shift.
Available Values: 0.00 ~ 99.99 (MHz)
Default: Depends on operating band and transceiver version.
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MENU MODE Nox077 [SCAN MODE]
Function: Selects the desired Scan-Resume mode.
Available Values: TIME/BUSY/STOP
Default: TIME
This Menu Item allows you to select your favorite method of scan-restart after the scanner has stopped on an incoming
signal (when the squelch opens).
TIME:
The scanner will hold for a fixed length of time, set via MENU MODE No-078 [SCAN RESUME], then resume
whether or not the other station is still transmitting.
BUSY:
The scanner will hold until the signal disappears, then will resume after one second.
STOP:
The scanner will stop when a signal is received, and will not restart.
MENU MODE Nox078 [SCAN RESUME]
Function: Sets the delay time for scanning resumption.
Available Values: 1 ~ 10 (sec)
Default: 5
MENU MODE Nox079 [SPLIT TONE]
Function: Enables/disables split CTCSS/DCS cording.
Available Values: OFF/ON
Default: OFF
MENU MODE No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN]
Function: Selects the configuration of the front panel’s SQL/RF knob.
Available Values: RF-GAIN/SQL
Default: Depends on transceiver version.
MENU MODE No-081 [SSB MIC GAIN]
Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the SSB mode.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE No-082 [SSB STEP]
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Function: Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob on the SSB mode.
Available Values: 1kHz/2.5kHz/5kHz
Default: 2.5kHz
MENU MODE No-083 [TONE FREQ]
Function: Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
Available Values: 50 Standard CTCSS tones
Default: 88.5 Hz
MENU MODE No-084 [TOT TIME]
Function: Select the Automatic Power Off time.
Available Values: OFF/1 ~ 20 (min)
Default: OFF
MENU MODE Nox085 [TUNER/ATAS]
Function: Selects the device (FC-30 or ATAS-100/-120) to be controlled via the front panel’s [A](TUNE) key.
Available Values: OFF/ATAS(HF)/ATAS(HF&50)/ATAS(ALL)/TUNER
Default: OFF
OFF:
The [A](TUNE) key is disabled.
ATAS (HF):
The [A](TUNE) key will activate the optional ATAS-100/-120 on the HF amateur bands.
ATAS (HF&50):
The [A](TUNE) key will activate the optional ATAS-100/-120 on the HF amateur bands and 50
MHz amateur band.
ATAS (ALL):
The [A](TUNE) key will activate the optional ATAS-100/-120 on the all amateur bands which
enable to the FT-857 transceiver.
TUNER:
The [A](TUNE) key will activate the optional FC-30.
MENU MODE Nox086 [TX IF FILTER]
Function: Selects the Transmit IF filter.
Available Values: CFIL/FIL1/FIL2
Default: CFIL
MENU MODE Nox087 [VOX DELAY]
Function: Sets the “hang time” for the VOX circuitry.
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Available Values: 100 ~ 3000 (ms)
Default: 500 (ms)
MENU MODE No-088 [VOX GAIN]
Function: Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input audio detector.
Available Values: 1 ~ 100
Default: 50
MENU MODE Nox089 [XVTR A FREQ]
Function: Allows an arbitrary frequency to be set on the display, to allow direct frequency readout during transverter
operation; can also be used to account for frequency conversion inaccuracies when a known reference frequency is
known.
Available Values: 00,000,00 ~ 99,999,99 (kHz)
Default: Current VFO frequency.
MENU MODE Nox090 [XVTR B FREQ]
Function: Allows an arbitrary frequency to be set on the display, to allow direct frequency readout during transverter
operation; can also be used to account for frequency conversion inaccuracies when a known reference frequency is
known.
Available Values: 00,000,00 ~ 99,999,99 (kHz)
Default:
Current VFO frequency.
MENU MODE Nox091 [XVTR SEL]
Function: Enable/disable the Transverter function.
Available Values: OFF/X VTR A/X VTR B
Default: OFF
OFF:
Disables the Transverter operation feature.
X VTR A:
Activates the transverter operation feature.
The display frequency may be set via MENU No-089 [XVTR A FREQ].
X VTR B:
Activates the second transverter operation display.
The display frequency may be set via MENU No-090 [XVTR B FREQ].
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CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) Operation
The FT-857’s CAT System allows the transceiver to be controlled by a personal computer. This allows multiple control
operations to be fully automated as a single mouse click, or it allows a third-party software package (such as contest
logging software) to communicate with the FT-857 without (redundant) operator intervention.
The Optional CAT Interface Cable CT-62 is a connection cable for the FT-857 and your computer. The CT-62 has a
built-in level converter, allowing direct connection from the rear panel CAT/LINEAR jack to the serial port of your
computer, without the need for an external RS-232C level converter box.
Vertex Standard does not produce CAT System operating software, due to the wide variety of personal computers,
operating systems, and applications in use today.
The information presented in this section will allow the programmer to understand the command structure and opcodes
used in the FT-857’s CAT System.
CAT Data Protocol
All commands sent from the computer to the transceiver consist of five-byte blocks, with up to 200 ms between each byte.
The last byte in each block is the instruction opcode, while the first four bytes of each block are arguments (either
parameters for that instruction, or dummy values required to pad the block out to five bytes). Each byte consists of 1 start
bit, 8 data bits, no parity bit, and two stop bits.
There are 17 instruction opcodes for the FT-857, listed in the chart on next page. Many of these opcodes are On/Off
toggle commands for the same action (e.g. “PTT On” and “PTT Off”) Most of these commands require some parameter or
parameters to be set. Irrespective of the number of parameters present, every Command Block sent must consist of five
bytes.
Accordingly, any CAT control program must construct the five-byte block by selecting the appropriate instruction opcode,
organizing the parameters as needed, and providing unused “dummy” argument bytes to pad the block to its required fivebyte length (the dummy bytes can contain any value). The resulting five bytes are then sent, opcode last, from the
computer to the FT-857 CPU via the computer’s serial port and the transceiver’s CAT/LINEAR jack.
All CAT data values are hexadecimal
Constructing and Sending CAT Commands
Example #1: Set the VFO frequency to 439.70 MHz
ρ
Per the CAT command table, the opcode for “Set Frequency” is 01. Placing the opcode into the 5th data bit position,
we then enter the frequency into the first four data bit positions:
DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5
43
97
Parameter
00
00
01
Command
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Send these five bytes to the transceiver, in the order shown above.
Example #2: Turn the Split Mode “On”
ρ
Per the CAT command table, the opcode for “Split On/off” is 02. Placing the opcode into the 5th data bit position, we
then enter dummy values into all other parameter locations:
DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5
00
00
Parameter
00
00
02
Command
Opcode Command Chart
Command Title
LOCK ON/OFF
Parameter
Opcode
CMD
Notes
CMD = 00 : LOCK ON
CMD = 80 : LOCK OFF
PTT ON/OFF
CMD
CMD = 08 : PTT ON
CMD = 88 : PTT OFF
Set Frequency
P1
P2
P3
P4
01
P1 ~ P4 : Frequency Digits
01, 42, 34, 56, [01] = 14.23456 MHz
Operating Mode
P1
07
P1 = 00 : LSB,P1 = 01 : USB,
P1 = 02 : CW, P1 = 03 : CWR,
P1 = 04 : AM, P1 = 08 : FM,
P1 = 0A : DIG, P1 = 0C : PKT
P1 = 88 : FMN
CLAR ON/OFF
CMD
CMD = 05 : CLAR ON
CMD = 85 : CLAR OFF
CLAR Frequency
P1
P3
P4
F5
P1 = 00 : “+” OFFSET
P3, P4 : CLAR Frequency
P1 = 00 : “–” OFFSET
12, 34 = 12.34 kHz
VFO-A/B
81
Toggle
SPLIT ON/OFF
CMD
CMD = 02 : SPLIT ON
CMD = 82 : SPLIT OFF
Repeater Offset
P1
09
P1 = 09 : “–” SHIFT
P1 = 49 : “+” SHIFT
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P1 = 89 : SIMPLEX
Repeater Offset Frequency
P1
P2
P3
P4
F9
P1 ~ P4 : Frequency Digits
05, 43, 21, 00, [F9] = 5.4321 MHz
CTCSS/DCS Mode
P1
0A
P1 = 0A : DCS ON
P1 = 0B : DCS DECODER ON
P1 = 0C : DCS ENCODER ON
P1 = 2A : CTCSS ON
P1 = 3A : CTCSS DECODER ON
P1 = 4A : CTCSS ENCODER ON
P1 = 8A : OFF
CTCSS Tone
P1
P2
P3
P4
0B
P1 ~ P2 : CTCSS Tone Frequency for TX
(Note 1)
P3 ~ P4 : CTCSS Tone Frequency for RX
(Note 1)
DCS Code
P1
P2
P3
P4
0C
P1 ~ P2 : DCS Code for TX (Note 2)
P3 ~ P4 : DCS Code for RX (Note 2)
Read RX Status
E7
(Note 3)
Read TX Status
F7
(Note 4)
Read RX Status
03
(Note 5)
Note 1: CTCSS Tone
Example: Set the CTCSS Tone Frequncy to 88.5 Hz (TX) and 100.0 Hz (RX)
P1
P2
P1
P2
‚
‚
‚
‚
08
85
10
00
= 88.5 Hz (TX), 100.0 Hz (RX)
Note 2: DCS Code
Example: Set the DCS Code to 023 (TX) and 371 (RX)
P1
P2
P1
P2
‚
‚
‚
‚
00
23
03
71
= 023 (TX), 371 (RX)
Note 3: Read RX Status
Note 4: Read TX Status
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Note 5: Read Frequency & Mode Status
Power-on Microprocessor Reset Procedures
Some or all transceiver settings can be reset to their factory-default states using one of the following power-on routines:
ρ
[V/M] + POWER on: Resets all memories and following menu settings to their factory-default values:
Menu #06 (AM STEP), 33 (DCS CODE), 52 (FM STEP), 56 (MEM TAG), 76 (RPT SHIFT), 82 (SSB
STEP), and 83 (TONE FREQ).
ρ
[F] + POWER on: Resets all menu settings (except the following menu items) to their factory-default values.
Menu #06 (AM STEP), 33 (DCS CODE), 52 (FM STEP), 56 (MEM TAG), 76 (RPT SHIFT), 82 (SSB
STEP), and 83 (TONE FREQ).
ρ
[HOME] + POWER on: CPU master reset for all memories and menu settings.
Cloning
You can transfer all data stored in one transceiver to another set by utilizing the handy “Cloning” feature. This requires a
user-constructed cloning cable which connects the CAT/LINEAR jacks on the two transceivers, as shown below.
To clone from one transceiver to another, use the following procedure:
1. Insert the Clone Cable into the CAT/LINEAR jack of each transceiver.
2. Turn both transceivers off, then press and hold in the MODE(<) and MODE(>) buttons on each radio while turning
the power on again. The “CLONE MODE” notation will appear on the display.
3. On the “d estination” radio, press the [C] key.
4. Now, on the “source” radio, press the [A] key. Data will now be transferred to the “Destination” radio from the
“Source” radio.
5. If there is a problem during the cloning process, “error” will be displayed.
Check your cable connections and try again.
6. If cloning is successful, turn the “destination” radio off. Now turn the “source” radio off.
7. Remove the clone cable. Channel and operating data for both radios are now identical. They both may be turned on
now for normal operation.
Installation of Optional Accessories
Optional Filters:YF-122S and YF-122C
1. Turn the transceiver’s power off by pressing and holding in the PWR switch for one second, then disconnect the DC
cable from the INPUT jack on the rear panel of the transceiver, when operating the FT-857 with a DC power supply
or optional FP-30 AC power supply.
2. Referring to Figure 1, remove the eight screws affixing the top cover of the transceiver then disconnect the speaker’s
connector from the MAIN Unit.
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3. Fold the top cover centering around the carrying hand side from the main chassis.
4. Refer to Figure 2 for the mounting locations for the optional filters. Position the filter so that its connectors are aligned
with the mounting pins on the board, and push it into place (these slots does not distinction for the installed filter).
5. Replace the top cover and its eight screws (remember to replace the internal speaker’s plug), then connect the DC
cable to the INPUT jack when operating the FT-857 with a DC power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.
6. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to change the setting of menu to “2.3” (if you
installed the YF-122S) or “500” (for YF-122C).
7. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new set-up and exit to normal operation.
8. Filter installation is now complete.
To use the optional filter, press the [B](2.3 or 500) key (in Multi Function Row “n” [CFIL, 2.3 or 500, 2.3 or 500]) to
activate the optional filter which is installed in the “FIL1” slot. Press the [C](2.3 or 500) key (in Multi Function Row “n”
[CFIL, 2.3 or 500, 2.3 or 500]) to activate the optional filter which is installed in the “FIL2” slot.
Note: If you wish to use the optional filter for the TX IF filter while operating in the SSB mode, change the setting of
Menu Mode No-086 [TX IF FILTER] to “FIL1” or “FIL2” (the slot into which you installed the optional YF-122S filter).
Optional High Stability Reference Oscillator TCXO-9
Optional High Stability Reference Oscillator TCXO-9
The TCXO-9 provides high stability over a wide range of ambient temperatures, so as to enhance digital-mode operating.
1. Turn the transceiver’s power off by pressing and holding in the POWER switch for one second, then disconnect the
DC cable from the INPUT jack on the rear panel of the transceiver, when operating the FT-857 with a DC power
supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.
2. Referring to Figure 1, remove the eight screws affixing the top cover of the transceiver then disconnect the speaker’s
connector from the MAIN Unit.
3. Fold the top cover centering around the carrying hand side from the main chassis.
4. Referring to Figure 2, locate the factory-installed REF UNIT on the board. Remove the factory-installed REF UNIT
from the board, then position the TCXO-9 so that its connectors are aligned with the mounting pins on the board, and
push it into place.
5. Replace the top case (remember to replace the internal speaker’s plug).
6. TCXO-9 installation is now complete. Connect the DC cable to the INPUT jack when operating the FT-857 with a DC
power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.
Appendix
Setup of Memories for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) FM Satellite Operation
Although the FT-857 is not capable of “full duplex” operation (simultaneous transmission and reception), its flexible
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memory system is ideal for configuring a set of memories for LEO satellite work.
The example below is designed around the popular satellite UO-14, but the same principles apply to operation using AO27, SO-35, and other such satellites.
First, set up a table of the required operating frequencies. For UO-14, a typical setup table is shown below:
Channel #
Rx Freq.
Tx Freq.
Notes
435.080
145.970.0
AOS
435.075
145.972.5
435.070
145.975.0
435.065
145.977.5
435.060
145.980.0
Mid Pass
LOS
AOS = Acquisition of Signal (Beginning of Pass)
LOS = Loss of Signal (End of Pass)
The above frequencies are nominal, and the changing frequencies reflects the Doppler Shift which occurs on such
satellites, which display rapid apparent motion relative to an earth-based observer. But if we can accommodate a set of
several frequency pairs in our memory system, frequencies that reflect the frequency relationships encountered during a
typical pass, we will have a good chance of having our frequencies properly aligned when it is time for making a QSO.
So we need to store the above frequency matrix into memories. Note that the receiving frequency and transmitting
frequency are on different bands. Therefore, we will use the “Split Frequency Memory” storage technique described on
page 42.
First, press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Multi Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B,
SPL]. Press the [A](A/B) key, if necessary, to select VFOa.
Now press the BAND(DWN) or BAND(UP) key to select the 70 cm band. Check the setting of Menu Mode No-004
[AM&FM DIAL]. and set this to “ENABLE” to allow smaller frequency increments to be accommodated.
Set the VFOa operating frequency to 435.0800.00 MHz. Now press the [A](A/B) key in Multi Function Row “a” to select
VFOb, and set VFOb to 145.970.00 MHz. Again press the [A](A/B) key to return to VFOa. Be sure that both VFOs are
set to the FM mode, as well.
Press the [F] key momentarily, and rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to select Multi Function Row
“b”[MW, SKIP, TAG].
Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob while the memory channel number is blinking;
select memory channel M-001, then press and hold in the [A](MW) key until you hear the double beep. We have just
stored the first downlink (earth station receiving) frequency into memory.
Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click counter-clockwise to re-select Multi
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Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B, SPL]. Press the [A](A/B) key to select VFOb (145.970 MHz).
Again press the [F] key momentarily, and rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to re-select Multi Function
Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG]. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily; the “M-001” indicator will flash; press and hold in the
microphone’s PTT key, and while holding it in press the [A](MW) key until you hear the double beep. You have now
stored the uplink (earth station transmitting) frequency into the same memory register as we did previously for the
downlink frequency.
It’s now time to store the other frequencies in the matrix. Return to Multi Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B, SPL], and press
the [A](A/B) key to return to VFOa on 435.080.00 MHz. Now rotate the DIAL knob to set the frequency to 435.075.00
MHz. Press the [A](A/B) key again to select VFOb (145.970 MHz), and rotate the DIAL knob to set the frequency to
145.972.50 MHz. Press the [A](A/B) key to return to VFOa on 435.075.00 MHz.
Return to Multi Function “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG], and repeat the Split Memory storage process, selecting memory channel
M-002 this time when initially storing the 435.075 MHz receiving frequency.
Now repeat this entire process three more times, filling memory channels M-003, M-004, and M-005 with the frequencies
shown in the chart above.
When it’s time to operate, press the [V/M] key, if necessary, to recall the Memory mode, and rotate the MEM/VFO CH
knob to select channel M-001. This will be the first frequency pair to be utilized during the UO-14 window of workability
when it rises above your local horizon. The Doppler effect will cause the nominal 435.070 MHz downlink frequency to
appear higher to you, so utilize memory channel M-001 when the satellite first rises. A few minutes later, switch to M-002,
and at mid-pass switch to M-003. As the satellite recedes, switch to M-004 and then M-005 toward the end of the pass.
The MEM/VFO CH knob recall of these five channels makes Doppler tracking simple; just choose the memory channel
producing the best signal! You have already programmed an uplink frequency corresponding to the optimum downlink
frequency, so you will not need to try to make difficult VFO adjustments during the brief satellite passes.
The FM passbands used on LEO satellites are sufficiently broad that more precise frequency adjustment is not needed.
To aid in channel identification, remember that you can use Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] to label each satellite
memory (for example, “UO-14a” ~ “UO-14e” for the above five channels).
A complete set of frequencies may be stored for each LEO satellite you wish to utilize, and once configured, the FT-857
provides a flexible and easy-to-use earth station capability for these popular satellites.
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